A mass for fishermen who will join a civilian- led mission to the disputed South China sea, Botolan, Philippines - 14 May 2024
Filipino fishermen listen during a mass on the eve of their voyage to Scarborough shoal, at a coastal village in the town of Botolan, Zambales province, Philippines, 14 May 2024. A civilian-led mission joined by at least a hundred fishermen will embark, on 15 May to Scarborough Shoal in the disputed South China Sea to assert Philippines' territorial claim. Scarborough Shoal ('Bajo de Masinloc' called by Filipino fishermen), a fishing haven shoal within the Philippine maritime territory that China occupied a decade ago, were recently reported to be driving away Filipino fishermen by Chinese coastguard ships.