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Zambales fishers plead for protection after Ch threatens to arrest ‘trespassers’
By Nidz Godino
“Gusto namin malaman anong seguridad ang puwede naming makuha…sabi nila June 15 manghuhuli sila, eh paano kami na laging nangingisda sa Bajo de Masinloc?” Jeoffrey Elad, president of Tropical Fish Gatherer Association in Barangay San Salvador, Masinloc, Zambales said fisherfolk from Zambales sought answers from visiting lawmakers about whether government can ensure their safety and protection while fishing in West Philippine Sea following China’s directive to arrest “trespassers” in waters they claim as theirs.
During House lawmakers’ public consultation and inquiry on alleged “gentleman’s agreement” between former President Rodrigo Duterte and China in Masinloc, Zambales, representatives of fisher groups asked whether government would protect them from possible arrest.
Fisherfolk’s fresh plea for urgent government action comes after China granted its Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) authority to detain foreigners it suspects of “trespassing” its borders including disputed areas in South China Sea that it claims to be its territorial waters for up to 60 days without trial.
Directive is housed under regulations rolled out by CCG that will take effect on June 15, according to Chinese state-run news agency China News Service.
Coincidentally, House joint panels’ public consultation took place around same time Chinese Coast Guard’s largest vessel with bow number 5901 was spotted by Philippine Navy around 50 nautical miles from Bajo de Masinloc on Friday morning.
“Wala tayong kakayahang labanan sila,” he added.
The fisherfolk leader want government to assure them despite China’s directive, Filipino fishermen can complete their fishing trips at Bajo de Masinloc, as they have done for decades. “Kahit nandoon ang China ok lang, pero ang hulihin kami ay masakit sa aming kalooban.”
Elad had to repeat his question twice after he did not receive direct answer from lawmakers the first time, with Rep. Johnny Pimentel (Surigao del Sur, 2nd District) saying panel is probing alleged secret deal to understand how it might have led increased activities from Chinese vessels in the area.
“Wina-water cannon kami palagi…kahit pag kukuha ng ayuda sa BFAR ,Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources… hindi talaga kami makalapit…ngayon, tinatanong namin, huhulihin ba kami…kaming mga taga-Masinloc, ‘yun lang ang gusto naming tanungin sa inyo,” Elad said.
Pimentel said lawmakers will ask House Speaker Martin Romualdez and the president to include fisherfolk from Masinloc and broader Zambales area in the government’s financial aid program.
“Ipaabot natin kay Speaker Romualdez at Presidente Marcos na masali naman sa ayuda mga fisherfolks dito sa bayan ng Masinloc, o mga mangingisdang naapektuhan din sa Zambales. ..may programa tayo diyan at ang nagli-lead diyan si President Marcos,” Pimentel said.
Early during public consultation, one spokesperson for fisher group in Zambales said one-time cash aids fall short of addressing long-term impact of Chinese vessels’ “bullying” in West Philippine Sea.
Noli delos Santos said cash assistance from government is like “band aid” or “first aid” that disappears quickly with steep prices of basic goods and their increasing inability to fish without being harassed.
“Pagdating sa mga buyer, maraming huli, kaunti ang benta, dahil sa utang…maraming kita, mahal naman ang babayarin: bigas, kuryente, tubig, Dadaan ko na lang sa luha. ramdam niyo naman siguro ang kahirapan namin ” Delos Santos said.
On Friday, Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro called China’s new detention policy “provocation and violation to me of United Nations charter.”
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. last week vowed to “take whatever measures” to protect Filipino citizens following China’s directive.
ISKUP! 