Probe harassment of Pinoy fishers, Senate urged
DETAINED Sen. Leila de Lima on Saturday urged the Senate to investigate the reported harassment of Filipino fishermen by members of the Chinese Coast Guard in Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal.
De Lima filed Resolution 766 directing the appropriate Senate committee to probe media reports that Chinese Coast Guard personnel have been “habitually taking the catch of Filipino fishermen in Panatag Shoal in exchange for noodles, cigarettes and water.”
“The administration should champion the economic situation of our fisherfolk by standing up for their losses, enforcing mechanisms that boost their profit, and promote sustainable fishing in the disputed area,” she said.
The senator urged the government to improve the plight of the fisherfolk affected by Chinese incursions, noting that Panatag Shoal or Bajo de Masinloc falls within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
“With fisheries being a major industry in the country, it is incumbent upon government to take positive action to preserve this trade and take a stand in protecting our fisherfolk from any untoward action,” she added.
A fisherman earlier confirmed that the Chinese would check their containers and pick their best catch.
“While diplomacy remains an important component of foreign policy, government should unquestionably put the welfare of our Filipino fishermen at the forefront and be steadfast in asserting their rights at any circumstance,” de Lima said.
De Lima has been detained at the Philippine National Police Custodial Center since February 24, 2017 on drug charges. BERNADETTE E. TAMAYO
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