Fisherfolk: Prevent nCoV, ban CCG from WPS

Amid the threat of the novel coronavirus (nCoV) that originated in China, a militant fisherfolk group has called for the banning of the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) from the West Philippine Sea (WPS). Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) said their proposal follows the government’s ban on travel to and from mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau, to prevent the further spread of the new virus. “In the name of precautionary measures, the Philippine government should impose a strict prohibition on Chinese personnel in the entire West Philippine Sea,” said Fernando Hicap, the group’s national chair, in a statement. —Jhesset O. Enano