Agencies, local gov’t vow to help PHL fishermen harassed by China Coast Guard

Authorities and some government agencies on Thursday vowed to extend assistance to fishermen supposedly harassed by members of China Coast Guard in the Scarborough Shoal.

According to a Balitanghali report by Bam Alegre, a dialogue was held between fisherfolk from Zambales and Pangasinan and personnel from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and the local government of Zambales.

During the meeting held in Iba, Zambales, fishermen voiced their sentiments regarding the supposed "barter" between Filipinos and Chinese where the latter took their catch in exchange for noodles, some cigarettes and alcoholic drinks.

There were mixed reactions as some fishermen admitted that the Chinese had extended help to them during times of emergency while others strongly opposed the "barter."

Fishermen also appealed to have free access in the region.

The military assured Filipinos that they would continue to patrol the area, while BFAR and the local government of Zambales said they will provide livelihood assistance for the fishermen, especially this rainy season.

The Duterte administration has taken up the issue of Chinese men forcibly taking the catch of fisherfolk before the Chinese government.

China, for its part, said its coast guard vessels were at the shoal to maintain peace and that the Chinese Coast Guard “had many times provided humanitarian assistance to Philippine fishermen.” — Anna Felicia Bajo/BM, GMA News