AFP verifying reports PHL fishers harassed off Union Bank

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 20): AFP verifying reports PHL fishers harassed off Union Bank

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is verifying reports that alleged members of the Chinese coast guard have harassed Filipino fishermen fishing off Union Bank last week.

"We are still validating that story. We also heard that but it's hard to give an official statement without getting first the facts and verifying the alleged incident. In coordination with other agencies particularly the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), we will validate it and thereafter take the proper actions," said AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Eduardo Año on Thursday.

Año said Union Bank, a submerged feature, is near Gaven Reef, a feature holding some Chinese structures.

Reports said that the incident took place somewhere off Mariveles, Bataan.

The harassed fishermen came from La Union.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=981281