Pinoys to continue fishing in Panatag

MANILA, Philippines — Filipino fisherfolk will not be cowed and will continue to fish in Panatag Shoal despite China’s empowering of its coast guard to detain for 60 days without trial anyone or any vessel found trespassing in what it considers its territorial waters.

In a radio interview at the weekend, New Masinloc Fishermen’s Association president Leonardo Cuaresma maintained that Panatag Shoal is part of the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

“They (Chinese) have been doing that (harassment). We are not violating any laws and we will continue to fish there (Panatag Shoal),” Cuaresma said.

He asked the Philippine Coast Guard to increase its presence in Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal.

“Our fellow Filipino fishermen will not do anything that is bad. The government should use its resources to show that (Panatag Shoal) is not their (China) territory. We also have many allied countries. They should be tapped to conduct joint maritime patrol to show our strength,” Cuaresma said.

While not intimidated by China’s threat of arrest, fishers group Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakayang Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) will remain vigilant and alert as its members continue to fish in the West Philippine Sea.

Cuaresma stressed that this is a fight not only of fisherfolk but all Filipinos.

“We showed our unity to expose what is happening in the WPS. That is ours and not owned (by China),” he maintained.

President Marcos yesterday described as “unacceptable” China’s plan to detain without trial those who violate its “maritime administrative law” on what it views as its territorial waters, including practically the whole South China Sea.

The directive of the China Coast Guard to detain alleged “trespassers” was rolled out on May 15, and said that it will take effect on June 15, according to Chinese state-run news agency China News Service.

“That kind of action would be completely unacceptable to the Philippines... I do not talk about the operational details so we will leave it to us. But the position that we take is that, that is unacceptable and we will take whatever measures to always protect our citizens,” Marcos told reporters.

Pamalakaya provincial director Joey Marabe