Tragic and ironic: Scarborough Shoal used to be called "Panacot Shoal"; must be renamed "Natacot Shoal"

IN THE 17th century, Scarborough Shoal used to be called "Panacot" (as in "Fearsome"), pronounced phonetically as "panakot", as shown in this map*. Today, its Philippine name is Panatag Shoal or Bajo de Masinloc. But in reality, it should be renamed "Natacot" ("Frightened"), pronounced phonetically as "natakot", in opposition to its original formidable name. Really, "Natacot Shoal" seems to be the more appropriate name.

The shoal cannot realistically be called "Panacot" or "Fearsome" as in someone or something that can or will scare the living daylight out of someone which is what the Pilipino word 'panakot' means. The brutal fact is the shoal is no longer in Philippine hands because China frightened PH. The shoal has been hijacked by China, roped off to deny access to its original owners, PH. Filipino fishermen who have been fishing in Scarborough waters are forbidden by its stealers, China, to make a living out of its waters.

There is logic to renaming the erstwhile Panacot Island/Shoal "Natacot Shoal" since the guardians and protectors of our waters, i.e., Philippine Navy, Philippine Coast Guard whose role is to fight for and to defend Philippine sovereignty if need be, no longer even patrol Scarborough waters which are located in West Philippine Sea because current leadership apparently does not wish to offend China for fear of provoking a conflict, hence "natakot" (i.e., was or were frightened.)

In fact, in April 2012 during a stand off in Scarborough after Philippine Navy flagship BRP Gregorio del Pilar handed Chinese poachers to the Philippine Coast Guard, at the first hint of trouble, BRP Gregorio del Pilar (shown) was ordered to withdraw -- Philippine officials were "natakot" (frightened) at the thought of a naval confrontation. General Gregorio del Pilar, the young great revolutionary hero who died defending Tirad Pass from the American invaders and after whom the Philippine Navy flagship was named, must be turning in his grave.

By July 2012, Philippine ships had withdrawn altogether leaving China ships in control of Scarborough. China has since erected a barrier to the entrance of the shoal. Vessels belonging to Beijing's China Marine Surveillance and Fisheries Law Enforcement Command were observed near the disputed shoal. Scarborough Shoal, effectiveley, has ceased to be under Philippine control.  

It is doubtful that China will return "Natacot Shoal", er, we mean Scarborough/Panatag/Panacot Shoal to the Philippines. PH lost whatever chance of retaining sovereignty over "Panacot Shoal" when PH ships were ordered to withdraw from Scarborough just because PH officials were "natakot" (frightened).

This tragedy is similar to the Sabah claim tragedy which began fifty years ago when PH Govt presented its first claim to Sabah. Today, there are groups seeking to revive the Sabah claim. In 50 years, our great, great grandchildren will be putting up "Defenders of Philippine Natacot Shoal Claim" groups... How mercilessly ironic that would be. Well, if they have the same kind of govt officials or leaders we've got today, they will need a lot of luck to make China give up "Natacot" and that is assuming that China has not yet invaded PH islands in the Spratlys.

Related post: Why China cannot be trusted: Continuing violation of 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties, List of incidents with China in West Philippine Sea, and China's continuing intimidation of Philippines and Vietnam 

*The 17th century map was first posted on Philippine Sabah Claim Forum by Admin RCR