Botolan, Zambales—Aksyon Demokratiko presidential bet Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso on Thursday vowed to be “fearless” in defending the country’s sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
In a media interview with the WPS as background, Domagoso said he will assert the Hague Ruling and build the country’s capacity to defend its waters in securing unimpeded access for small fisherfolk to abundant fishing grounds.
“We will be fearless in fighting for what is ours. We will insist the Hague Ruling. But at the same time as being fearless, we are going to be fair with our discussion and management of the situation on both sides,” said Domagoso.
“We will be faithful to our farmers and fisherfolks. Ang mga mangingisda, dapat makapangisda sa loob ng ating teritoryo sa dagat. At iyon ang magaganap: undeterred, peaceful, and productive fishing opportunities under our rules. Filipino fishermen first,” he explained.
Domagoso, his running mate Dr. Willie Ong and senatorial bets Samira Gutoc, Dr. Carl Balita and Jopet Sison met with 100 fisherfolks and their families in this town to hear their plight as a result of Chinese vessels’ presence in Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal.
Locally known as Panatag or Bajo de Masinloc, the shoal serves as the traditional fishing ground of Filipino fishermen as it is situated inside the country’s 370-kilometer exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
Almost all fishermen in this province have stopped fishing at the shoal since they experienced harassment from the Chinese coast guards and due to the depletion of the fish population.
“Chinese fishermen have been overfishing, depleting our marine resources. They even sell their catch to our fishermen at higher price,” Domagoso said quoting stories from Zambales fishermen.
Aside from diplomatic negotiations, the 47-year-old mayor promised to modernize the Philippine Navy and Philippine Coast Guard and improve the country’s lines of defense on its western coast.
“I will reinforce our Navy and Coast Guard. We will invest more on the western side of the country, so that we can protect our sovereignty and territorial jurisdiction as recognized by [the] UN and all other nations,” Domagoso said.
The Chinese Coast Guard had used water cannons and sometimes rammed the boats of Filipino fishermen to drive them away from the shoal.
China, which claims nearly all of the South China Sea, seized control of Panatag in 2012, prompting the Philippines to seek UN arbitration. In 2016, the arbitral tribunal invalidated China’s sweeping claims, but China continues to ignore the ruling.
The Chinese vessels are moored within the 370-kilometer EEZ where the Philippines has the sole and sovereign right to fish and exploit the marine resources.
Image courtesy of CNN