Fishermen from Quezon, Palawan joined the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) to position “payao,” a floating combination system (FAD) used to draw fish, at Recto Bank within the West Philippine Sea.
According to Mav Gonzales report on 24 Oras Weekend, the fishermen spent virtually two days crusing to the tablemount farther from shore than their typical fishing grounds, the place the provision of fish had decreased.
“Doon lang po kami kikita ng pera. Kung meron sa malapit di na kami pupunta sa malayo. Problema wala na dito sa malapit,” stated John-John Pastera, fisherman.
(We can solely earn cash from there. If there are fish close by, we is not going to go far. The downside is, there are not any fish close by.)
They run the danger of being harassed by the China Coast Guard and Chinese maritime militia vessels every time they sail to Recto.
“Minsan iikot-iikutan kami. Minsan niro-rombo kami mabilis takbo nila tapos biglang hihinto. Hinahayaan na lang namin. Di mo alam gagawin nila. Kung tatakutin ka lang ba o tutuluyan ka. Eh paano kung tuluyan ka,” he added.
(Sometimes we go round. Sometimes we’re being chased by them, and so they run quick and instantly cease. We simply let it go. You by no means know what they are going to do. Are they simply attempting to scare you, or will they assault outright? What in the event that they comply with via?)
The PCG and BFAR stated they are going to monitor the ten payao the fishermen positioned at Rozul Reef in Recto Bank.
“Rozul Reef has been a traditional fishing ground for Filipinos. That’s the reason why we strategically identified Rozul Reef as a priority for FAD-laying operation,” stated PCG spokesman for WPS Commodore Jay Tarriela.
Fisherman Rodel Cabuena stated he seen the rise in Chinese ships at Recto Bank.
“Pag dumidikit sa amin, iwas na lang. Lumalayo kami sa kanila, tutal may nag-a-assist na BFAR,” he stated.
(When they arrive near us, we simply keep away from them. We simply shifting away, since BFAR is aiding us.)
As the Philippines continues to deal with China’s intrusions within the nation’s unique financial zone, small fishermen like Cabuena and Pastera have a easy want.
“Dasal namin ay walang mangyaring ano sa amin. Makarami ng huli. Makauwi nang maganda para may pang-ano sa pamilya,” stated Cabuena.
(We pray that nothing will occur to us. That we catch extra fish. That we get dwelling protected in order that there’s something for the household.)
“Gusto lang namin maayos presyo ng isda. Maproteksyunan natin yung sa atin. Ibang bansa naman umaani ng yaman natin,” Pastera added.
(We simply need correct fish costs. To defend what’s ours. It’s the opposite international locations who’re reaping our wealth.) — Sherylin Untalan/BM, GMA Integrated News
Source: www.gmanetwork.com
