Empty Victory at Scarborough Shoal The Philippines' landmark international ruling against China's maritime claims at Scarborough Shoal in 2016 was met with jubilation, but for local fishermen like Rony Drio and Henrilito Empoc, that victory has been hollow.
Filipino fishing vessels are driven away by Chinese harassment, rendering the tribunal's decision a distant memory. For years, Filipino fishermen fished at Scarborough Shoal despite its disputed status.
However, since 2012, when China began asserting de facto control over the area, tensions have escalated.