The coastguard of the Philippines urged the country's fishermen today to keep operating at Scarborough Shoal and other sites in the South China Sea. The Philippine coastguard on Monday removed a floating barrier installed by China that blocked access to the Scarborough Shoal. Coastguard spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela said 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.<br />''<br />''Meanwhile, China's Foreign Ministry has advised the Philippines to avoid provocations and not cause trouble while Philippine Defence Secretary Gilbert Teodoro said removing the cordon was not a provocation.<br />''<br />''<br />''<br />