Nearly 10 years after the July 12, 2016 arbitral ruling that invalidated China's sweeping claims in the South China Sea, Filipino fisherfolk continue to report the regular presence of Chinese Coast Guard vessels in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

Fisher Jerwin Cananea from Subic, Zambales shared that even while fishing 50 to 70 nautical miles from shore, he and other local fishers frequently encounter Chinese vessels.

According to him, fishers operating closer to Scarborough Shoal experience even greater harassment, while those fishing nearer municipal waters have also noticed Chinese ships moving closer to their traditional fishing grounds, contributing to reduced fish catches.

Cananea said these encounters have become so common that many fishers have gradually accepted them as part of their daily work, although he stressed that such a situation should not be considered normal.

To mark the approaching 10th anniversary of the Hague ruling, around 250 fisherfolk aboard 80 fishing boats and six mother boats joined a peaceful sea action in Subic Bay organised by the Atin Ito Coalition together with several local fishing organisations.Participants formed a human Philippine flag and displayed the message “WPS, ATIN ITO!” to reaffirm the country's maritime rights and express solidarity among fishing communities.

Leonardo Cuaresma of the New Masinloc Fishermen Association said many fishers from Masinloc have stopped fishing near Scarborough Shoal after repeated incidents of intimidation by the Chinese Coast Guard.

Although the international tribunal ruled in favour of the Philippines in 2016, China continues to reject the decision, and tensions over access to traditional fishing grounds remain a continuing concern for affected coastal communities.