Group tells China to respect PHL rights after rescue of 2 Chinese fishermen
THE RECENT rescue of two Chinese fishermen off Palawan by the Philippine Coast Guard and local fisherfolk should remind the Chinese government to respect the rights of Filipino fishers at all times, said the militant fishers’ group Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (PAMALAKAYA).
In a statement over the weekend, PAMALAKAYA said the incident demonstrates that Filipino fishers still have “basic acts of humanity” during emergency situations despite the Chinese government’s aggressive behavior within the Philippine’s exclusive economic zone.
The Philippine Coast Guard reported on Aug. 7 that two Chinese fishermen were found dead while two others were rescued from their life raft after rough weather caused them to abandon their vessel.
The Chinese Embassy in Manila, in a statement, thanked Philippine authorities and local fishermen for rescuing the Chinese fishermen.
Bobby Roldan, PAMALAKAYA vice-chair for Luzon, said Filipino fishers are not capable of the same hostile actions previously shown by Chinese vessels.
“This serves as a reminder to China that they should respect the rights of Filipino fishermen within the territory they are claiming, similar to the good treatment we give to Chinese fishermen who are illegally entering the country’s waters,” Mr. Roldan said.
He cited the Recto Bank incident in June 2019 where a Chinese vessel rammed and abandoned the Philippine-flag fishing boat F/B Gem-Ver 1, which was carrying 22 fishermen. A Vietnamese fishing vessel rescued them.
Mr. Roldan also cited the fishing blockade by at least two Chinese Coast Guard vessels on Filipino fishers who tried to venture in Panatag Shoal, which has a lagoon that gives shelter during bad weather.
Mr. Roldan previously said Zambales fishers have abandoned their traditional fishing haven due to the presence of Chinese Coast Guard vessels that prevent them from entering the lagoon.
The fisherfolk leader said despite these aggressions and prevailing tension between the two countries, they can never abandon or mistreat fellow fishermen regardless of nationality. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave
