There has been a significant decline of at least 30 percent in the livelihood of fisherfolk in Bajo de Masinloc due to harassment from the Chinese Coast Guard, according to local fisherman Leonardo.
He said the pronouncement of the previous administration that “fishermen are free to fish in Bajo de Masinloc” was contrary to what they are experiencing in the area.
“We continue to experience apprehensions, the aggression perpetrated by the Chinese Coast Guard,” Leonardo said in Filipino.
He explained that fishermen are vulnerable to harassment from the Chinese Coast Guards such as “water cannons” and are being pushed away when they try to fish in the area.
“They take our best fish catch. These days, it is getting worse and there are fishing boats facing collision. Their mode of sea transport is being destroyed,” Leonardo explained.
According to Filipino fishermen in Bajo de Masinloc, the negative impact on their livelihood manifests in the 7 tons of fish they usually get within three days being reduced now to only 1.5 tons for an entire week.
“When the tension began, the profits gradually dropped. The deprivation is severe. Because of these developments, there are times when our fisherfolk go home in tears,” Leonardo said.
In the coming State of the Nation Address (SONA), he hopes for a strengthening of the government’s effort in alleviating their dire situation and scarce livelihood, especially in modernizing and supplying them with resources.
“Hopefully alternative livelihoods can help our fisherfolk. Because we see for ourselves that it is commercial fishing vessels roaming our seas. Hopefully we receive efficient big boats along with giant nets; the opportunity to raise our working standards,” Leonardo pleaded.
China previously authorized its Coast Guard to detain foreign vessels and individuals in waters under the country’s jurisdiction for up to 60 days. This enforcement has raised concerns, particularly in the contested waters of the South China Sea and China’s illegal nine-dash-line claims within the Exclusive Economic Zone of the Philippines.
