Zambales fishers plead for protection after China threatens to arrest 'trespassers'

 MANILA, Philippines — Fisherfolk from Zambales on Friday sought answers from visiting lawmakers about whether the government can ensure their safety and protection while fishing in the West Philippine Sea following China’s directive to arrest “trespassers” in waters they claim as theirs.

During House lawmakers' public consultation and inquiry on the alleged "gentleman's agreement" between former President Rodrigo Duterte and China in Masinloc, Zambales, representatives of fisher groups asked whether the government would protect them from possible arrest.

Fisherfolk's fresh plea for urgent government action comes after China granted its Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) the authority to detain foreigners it suspects of "trespassing" its borders — including disputed areas in the South China Sea that it claims to be its territorial waters — for up to 60 days without trial.

The directive is housed under regulations rolled out by the CCG that will take effect on June 15, according to Chinese state-run news agency China News Service. 

Coincidentally, the House joint panels' public consultation took place around the same time the Chinese Coast Guard's largest vessel with bow number 5901 was spotted by the Philippine Navy around 50 nautical miles from Bajo de Masinloc on Friday morning.

"Gusto namin malaman anong seguridad ang puwede naming makuha. Sabi nila June 15 manghuhuli sila, eh paano kami na laging nangingisda sa Bajo de Masinloc?" said Jeoffrey Elad, president of the Tropical Fish Gatherer Association in Barangay San Salvador, Masinloc, Zambales.

(We want to know what security we can get. They said they will start arresting on June 15, but what about us who always fish in Bajo de Masinloc?)

 "Wala tayong kakayahan na labanan sila (We can't fight them)," he added.

The fisherfolk leader said that they want the government to assure them that despite China's directive, Filipino fishermen can complete their fishing trips at Bajo de Masinloc, as they have done for decades. "Kahit nandoon ang China ok lang, pero ang hulihin kami ay masakit sa aming kalooban (Even if China is just there, it's okay. But it's painful to think of us being arrested)."

Elad had to repeat his