Scarborough Shoal lagoon to become a marine sanctuary

National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. announces that President Rodrigo Duterte is set to sign an Executive Order (EO) declaring a lagoon in Panatag Shoal a marine sanctuary.

Panatag Shoal’s international name is Scarborough Shoal and it is located in the South China Sea.

It used to be a fishing ground for Filipino fishermen until Chinese ships drove them away.

Local fishermen have reportedly regained access in the area following the meeting between Duterte and Chinese President Xi Jinping in China last month.

The declaration of Panatag Shoal as a marine sanctury is a unilateral move on the part of Duterte.

Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar says, the plan has been relayed to the Chinese leader.