Solon urges gov’t to protect fishers amid tension in West Philippine Sea

A China Coast Guard ship monitors Philippine fishermen aboard their wooden boats during the distribution of fuel and food to fishers by the civilian-led mission Atin Ito (This Is Ours) Coalition, in the disputed South China Sea on May 16, 2024. A Philippine boat convoy bearing supplies for Filipino fishers said they were headed back to port May 16, ditching plans to sail to a Beijing-held reef off the Southeast Asian country after one of their boats was “constantly shadowed” by a Chinese vessel. (Photo by Ted ALJIBE / AFP)

MANILA, Philippines — A lawmaker urged the national government on Sunday to provide assistance to fishermen bound to be affected by China’s unilateral fishing ban encroaching on the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) or the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

AGRI Party-list Rep. Wilbert T. Lee made the call stressing that Filipino fisherfolk have the rights and freedom to fish in the area as he likewise renewed his call for the passage of proposed House Bill No. 9011 or the “Fishing Shelters and Ports Act”

READ: Progressive fishers set sail in West Philippine Sea amid China’s ban

Under the said measure, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Department of National Defense (DND), and other relevant government agencies will be mandated to install fishing shelters and ports within the WPS and Philippine Rise.

“The fishing shelters and ports to be established in the islands of Lawak, Kota, Likas, Pag-asa, Parola, Panata, Patag, Rizal Reef, and Ayungin Shoal will serve as safe spots for fishermen to take refuge from foreign militia or unforeseen circumstances, a place where they can rest, store gears and supplies, as well as access communication devices,” Lee’s statement reads.

“Our fishermen deserve better services so we should demand better for them. Karapatan nila ang ligtas at mas masaganang kabuhayan, ang dagdag na kita, sapat at murang pagkain, at mabawasan ang pangamba na wala silang perang pantustos sa mga pangangailangan, lalo na sa panahon ng pagkakasakit, sa takot na lalong malubog sa utang at kahirapan,” the solon said.

(They have the right to secure and more abundant livelihoods, additional income, enough and affordable food, and to reduce the fear that they will not have money to meet their needs, especially during illness, or fear of sinking further into debt and poverty.)

The lawmaker also expects the Asian Superpower to be “more aggressive in driving away those attempting to fish in disputed waters that have since been ruled by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) that China had no legal basis to claim historic rights to.”

“Pero dahil matagal nang may pattern ng pambu-bully at harassment ang China sa ating mga mangingisda sa WPS, kailangang ihanda at siguruhin ang mabilis na paghahatid ng tulong at ayuda sa mga hindi makapangingisda dulot ng fishing ban,” he said.

(But since China has long had a pattern of bullying and harassing our fishermen in the WPS, it is necessary to prepare and ensure the rapid delivery of aid and assistance to those who cannot fish due to the fishing ban.)

The fishing moratorium imposed by China started in May and will last until September 16.