Filipino fishermen in Masinloc, Zambales have been witness to the presence of Chinese vessels within the West Philippine Sea, which they stated threaten their security and livelihood.
Rey, a fisherman, stated he was pressured to go away by the Chinese Coast Guard as he sailed close to Scarborough Shoal to fish.
“Baka mamaya, pag hindi po kami umalis baka tirahin kami ng water cannon kaya po napag-isip-isip ng kapitan na umalis na lang po kami,” he stated in a “24 Oras” report by Jun Veneracion.
Scarborough Shoal is simply 120 nautical miles from Masinloc, which is throughout the 200-nautical mile unique financial zone of the Philippines.
Fishermen stated their fishing actions are restricted within the perimeter of the shoal as China seems to have management inside the realm. They added they used to hunt cowl within the shoal from tough seas.
“Sila talaga ang hari, kawawa kaming mga Pilipino,” Enocentes Forones, a captain of a fishing vessel.
Leanardo Cuaresma, president of the Masinloc Fishermen Association, added, “Kung saan sarili mong lugar ikaw mismo ang itinataboy at hindi yung mga dayuhan ang itinataboy … ganoon ka-desperado ang nangyayari sa mga kasamahan natin.”
In the most recent aerial patrol of the Northern Luzon Command, a China Coast Guard boat will be seen patrolling Scarborough Shoal. Several militia vessels had been additionally noticed within the space.
“Tuluy-tuloy po itong ating paggawa ng ating maritime patrols para maprotektahan po natin yung territorial waters against foreign aggressors,” stated Major Al Anthony Pueblas, appearing chief public info officer of the command.
Last month, greater than 20 radio challenges from the China Coast Guard had been acquired by Philippine vessel BRP Datu Sanday. It was additionally blocked twice whereas crusing by a Chinese boat.
Filipino fishermen got here to the rescue by surrounding BRP Datu Sanday till it reached close to Scarborough Shoal.—LDF, GMA Integrated News
Source: www.gmanetwork.com
