Q: In its April 30th Statement, the Philippine National Security Council said it was “a sad day for Filipino fishermen.”in that “China obstructed a Philippine humanitarian mission to assist our fishermen in their fishing grounds.” What is your comment?

A: The incident on April 30th has nothing to do with the Filipino fishermen and their fishing activities in the Huangyan Dao area. Since the temporary special arrangements were agreed upon by China and the Philippines in 2016, fishing by Filipino fishermen in designated areas off Huangyan Dao was not an issue. Now the incumbent Philippine administration, out of its political agenda, hustles the fishfolks to the frontline of maritime disputes in the name of humanitarian assistance. This is what’s truly sad.