MANILA, Sept 27 (Reuters) - The coastguard of the Philippines urged the country's fishermen on Wednesday to keep operating at the disputed Scarborough Shoal and other sites in the South China Sea, pledging to step up patrols there despite an imposing Chinese presence. Philippine vessels were unable to maintain a constant presence but were committed to protecting the rights of fishermen inside the country's exclusive economic zone (EEZ), coastguard spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela said. China's response has been measured, with its foreign ministry advising Manila on Tuesday to avoid provocations and not cause trouble. Close to shipping lanes that transport an estimated $3.4 trillion of annual commerce, control of the shoal is strategic for Beijing, which claims sovereignty over most of the South China Sea. "The Scarborough Shoal is closer to the Philippines," said fisherman Pepito Fabros who had come ashore in the province of Zambales between trips to sea.

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Persons: Jay Tarriela, Gilbert Teodoro, Tarriela, Pepito Fabros, Neil Jerome Morales, Adrian Portugal, Enrico dela Cruz, Martin Petty, Clarence Fernandez Organizations: coastguard, Beijing's, China's coastguard, Thomson Locations: MANILA, Philippines, Scarborough, South China, Bajo de Masinloc, Philippine, China, Beijing, Manila, Hainan, United States, Zambales