Chinese Coast Guard boats close to the floating barrier are pictured on September 20, 2023, near the Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea, in this handout image released by the Philippine Coast Guard on September 24, 2023.
The Philippines coastguard, posing as regular fishermen aboard a small boat, later cut the ball-buoy barrier and took away the anchor, Tarriela told DWPM radio and ANC news channel.
He said four China coastguard vessels were in the area and were "not that aggressive" after seeing media on board a Philippine ship.
China claims ownership of almost all of the South China Sea, including the Scarborough Shoal, despite an arbitration ruling in 2016 that said that was baseless.
Philippine Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo, speaking to reporters about the removal of the barrier, on Tuesday said the move was consistent with the country's stance on the South China Sea.
Persons:
Jay Tarriela, Tarriela, Ferdinand Marcos Jr, Enrique Manalo, Neil Jerome Morales, Martin Petty
Organizations:
Guard, Philippine Coast Guard, REUTERS Acquire, Rights, China's coastguard, Scarborough, coastguard, Philippines coastguard, ANC, China coastguard, Philippine, Thomson
Locations:
Scarborough, South China, Rights MANILA, Philippines, China, Philippine, Manila, United States