NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
President Marcos Ensures Protection For Filipino Fishermen Amidst WPS Tensions
Photo credit: PCO
In a recent interview at a rice distribution event in Dapa, Surigao del Norte, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. affirmed the Philippines' commitment to avoiding conflict while safeguarding the interests of Filipino fishermen and the nation's territorial rights in the West Philippine Sea.
His statement came in response to the removal of floating barriers set up by the China Coast Guard (CCG) at Scarborough Shoal, hindering Filipino fishermen's access to the area.
President Marcos emphasized the government's determination to defend the country's territory, stating, "Umiiwas nga tayo sa gulo. Umiiwas tayo sa mga maiinit na salita. Ngunit matibay ang ating pagdepensa sa teritoryo ng Pilipinas."
He expressed concern over the barriers preventing Filipino fishermen from their livelihood, highlighting that approximately 164 tons of fish were caught on the day the barriers were removed.
"‘Yun ang nawawala sa ating mga fisherman. Kaya’t hindi naman maaari na lalagyan ng barrier na ganun at maliwanag naman na nasa loob ng Pilipinas ‘yan… Hindi tayo naghahanap ng gulo," President Marcos stated, emphasizing the need to protect the rights of Filipino fishermen who have been fishing in these waters for centuries.
President Marcos said that the Philippines would continue to defend its maritime territory and the rights of its fishermen, not through force but through legal remedies and diplomatic processes.
He reiterated the country's stance against aggression, emphasizing the importance of a peaceful resolution to the disputes in the West Philippine Sea.
His statement came in response to the removal of floating barriers set up by the China Coast Guard (CCG) at Scarborough Shoal, hindering Filipino fishermen's access to the area.
President Marcos emphasized the government's determination to defend the country's territory, stating, "Umiiwas nga tayo sa gulo. Umiiwas tayo sa mga maiinit na salita. Ngunit matibay ang ating pagdepensa sa teritoryo ng Pilipinas."
He expressed concern over the barriers preventing Filipino fishermen from their livelihood, highlighting that approximately 164 tons of fish were caught on the day the barriers were removed.
"‘Yun ang nawawala sa ating mga fisherman. Kaya’t hindi naman maaari na lalagyan ng barrier na ganun at maliwanag naman na nasa loob ng Pilipinas ‘yan… Hindi tayo naghahanap ng gulo," President Marcos stated, emphasizing the need to protect the rights of Filipino fishermen who have been fishing in these waters for centuries.
President Marcos said that the Philippines would continue to defend its maritime territory and the rights of its fishermen, not through force but through legal remedies and diplomatic processes.
He reiterated the country's stance against aggression, emphasizing the importance of a peaceful resolution to the disputes in the West Philippine Sea.
Sep 29, 2023
