LULL IN LIVELIHOOD Hundreds of fishermen in Subic town in Zambales have been frequenting the disputed
Scarborough Shoal to earn a living. They are eagerly awaiting a United Nations tribunal’s ruling on the territorial
dispute between the Philippines and China over the West Philippine Sea. ALLANMACATUNO/INQUIRER CENTRAL LUZON FILE PHOTO
The Philippines might have won its arbitrated case on disputed areas in the South China Sea but it has yet to ensure the safety of its fishermen, at least based on the Department of Foreign Affairs’ advice for them to stay clear of areas where tension with China is still high.
DFA spokesperson Charles Jose on Wednesday told reporters that the Permanent Court of Arbitration clearly declared Scarborough Shoal (Bajo de Masinloc) a common fishing ground.
READ: Palace to fishermen: Sail with caution to Scarborough
However, he said the government still needs to discuss the issue with China, which has refused to recognize the arbitral tribunal’s ruling.
Asked if the government is advising Filipino fishermen to stay clear of the disputed areas, he said, “Siguro yung muna ng mas para sa kaligtasan ng lahat (Perhaps we can do that for now for the safety of everyone.”
His answer echoed that of Supreme Court Associate Justice Francis Jardeleza who said weeks ago that fishermen should exercise caution while local government units sort out guidelines and safeguards for their protection.
Despite his advice, Jose insisted that fishermen have the right to fish in the area. “So as far as we are concerned malinaw ang decision ng tribunal tungkol dito. Ang importante sa atin makabalik ang ating mga mangingisda sa Scarborough Shoal dahil naapektuhan ang kanilang kabuhayan,” he said.
(So far as we are concerned, the tribunal’s decision on this is clear. What is important is that our fishermen are able to return to Scarborough Shoal because their livelihood has already been affected.)
The spokesperson said this as China’s Supreme Court ruled that people found illegally fishing in Chinese waters will be jailed up to a year. It did not mention the South China Sea but it said its decision was made in accordance to Chinese law and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (Unclos), which was the basis of the Philippine government’s cad against China’s “nine-dash line” claim.
Jose reiterated Secretary Perfecto Yasay’s earlier statement for all parties to exercise restraint and sobriety.
“Alam naman natin na in-occupy ng China ang Scarborough Shoal. Hintayin muna mabigyang linaw paano makakabalik ang mga mangingisda natin para di na sila ma-subject sa harassment,” he explained.
(We know that China has occupied Scarborough Shoal. Let’s wait for clarifications on how our fishermen can return without being subjected to harassment.)
Jose said he is also sure that the concerns of the fishermen are among the priority issues that former president and special envoy Fidel Ramos will raise when he holds dialogue with China.
When asked if the Philippines will now repair its facilities in the Kalayaan Group of Islands, he said it is not yet a priority. “Ngayon nga parang pinapababa muna ang temperature kasi sariwang-sariwa pa ang desisyon. Sa atin priority muna ang mangingisda natin,” he said.
(For now we are trying to lessen the tension because the decision has just been handed down. For us, our priority is our fishermen.)
Jose emphasized that the Philippine government is pushing for a rules-based approach in the South China Sea.
Despite China’s refusal to recognize the tribunal’s decision, the spokesperson said he is hopeful that a peaceful discussion would happen between the two countries in order to clarify the many issues surrounding the award.
Jose did not directly answer when asked if the government will provide legal support to fishermen who may be accused of illegal fishing and arrested by Chinese authorities. He pointed out that the tribunal’s decision is clear and that Filipino fishermen are within the country’s exclusive economic zone. CDG
READ: South China Sea: Fish wars