WATCH

Filipino fishers blocked by Chinese vessels near Pag-asa Island

Several Filipino fishermen were barred from accessing the fishing grounds near Pag-asa Island by Chinese vessels.

According to Chino Gaston’s report on “24 Oras” on Tuesday, Filipino fishermen in the area said the Chinese vessels were blocking their way.

“Kala ko po dadaan lang ‘yong barkong ‘yon tapos biglang naghinto sa harapan namin. At saka may kasunod pa na dalawa o tatlo pang barko. Parang binabawalan siguro kaming pumunta sa mga sand bar na ‘yon,” Larry Hugo said.

Meanwhile, Hugo also called on the Philippine government to take action as it is affecting their livelihood.

“Pinaparating ko rin sa gobyerno natin na sana (may gawin) kasi parang kanila na ‘yan eh,” he said.

Last week, China passed a law that explicitly allows the Chinese Coast Guard to open fire

The law was passed amid continued tensions over territorial disputes among China and several countries across Asia, including the Philippines.

Senator Risa Hontiveros earlier said the new Chinese law was a “very negative development not only in the context of the ongoing pandemic… but also in the context of long-standing tensions in the West Philippine Sea and in the whole South China Sea.”

Moreover, in a statement, the Armed Forces of the Philippines Naval Forces West said there have not been any harassment incidents reported among Filipino fishermen so far.

“Per verification at PAG-ASA detachment, there was no reported incident of harassment of fishermen in the sandbars threat. Your Naval Forces West especially the security personnel deployed in the different KIG features continue to uphold and protect the safety of our Filipino fishermen,” it said.

Chinese vessels have warded off Filipino fishermen in the area in past years.

In June 2020, several boats of Chinese fishing militia were also seen near Pag-asa Island as defense officials inaugurated a beaching ramp in the area.—Ma. Angelica Garcia/LDF, GMA News