Chinese vessels threaten safety, livelihood of Zambales fishermen

Filipino fishermen in Masinloc, Zambales have been witness to the presence of Chinese vessels in the West Philippine Sea, which they said threaten their safety and livelihood.

Rey, a fisherman, said he was forced to leave by the Chinese Coast Guard as he sailed near 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 said in a "24 Oras" report by Jun Veneracion.

Scarborough Shoal is only 120 nautical miles from Masinloc, which is within the 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone of the Philippines.

Fishermen said their fishing activities are limited in the perimeter of the shoal as China appears to have control inside the area. They added they used to seek cover in the shoal from rough seas.

"Sila talaga ang hari, kawawa kaming mga Pilipino," Enocentes Forones, a captain of a fishing vessel, said.

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 latest aerial patrol of the Northern Luzon Command, a China Coast Guard boat can be seen patrolling Scarborough Shoal. Several militia vessels were also spotted in the area.

"Tuluy-tuloy po itong ating paggawa ng ating maritime patrols para maprotektahan po natin yung territorial waters against foreign aggressors," said Major Al Anthony Pueblas, acting chief public information officer of the command.

Last month, more than 20 radio challenges from the China Coast Guard were received by Philippine vessel BRP Datu Sanday. It was also blocked twice while sailing by a Chinese boat.

Filipino fishermen came to the rescue by surrounding BRP Datu Sanday until it reached near Scarborough Shoal. —LDF, GMA Integrated News