Alejano to gov’t: Protect fishermen in WPS, modernize PH Coast Guard

Magdalo Rep. Gary Alejano pressed the government on Wednesday to strengthen support for Filipino fishermen and prioritize the modernization of the country’s coast guard amid the growing Philippine–China row in the West Philippine Sea.

“Harassment of Filipino fisherfolk by the Chinese, in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) is real and happening. Naiipit ang ating mga mangingisda sa gitna ng lantarang pangigipit at pang-aabuso ng Tsina at pagkunsinti ng administrasyong Duterte sa gawaing ito,” he said in a statement.

A few weeks ago, a report aired by GMA-7’s Reporter’s Notebook revealed that personnel of the Chinese Coast Guard were intruding Filipino fishermen’s boat to get their best catch.

The opposition lawmaker said the government should help Filipino fishermen by establishing guidelines on how to deal with tensions in contested areas.

“Ngayon, pag may insidente, hindi alam ng mga mangingisda ang gagawin o kung sino ang lalapitan pagdaong nila. Kailangang magbaba ang gobyerno ng guidelines at rules of engagement na susundan ng mga mangingisda sakaling makaranas ng pang-aabuso mula sa mga Chinese,” Alejano suggested.

“Local government units and other relevant agencies should be tapped to discuss and clarify with the fishing communities their role on the issue and what actions to take when fishing in our waters in the West Philippine Sea. Moreover, there is a need to consolidate the various fisherfolk organizations for better and easier coordination with the local government,” he added.

Alejano also underscored the need to provide small-scale fisherfolk with fishing vessels and other equipment that would ease their navigation in farther seas.

“Dapat mabigyan sila ng mas malalaki at mas matitibay na bangka. Ayon sa mga nakausap kong mangingisda, hindi kinakaya ng kanilang mga bangka ang lakas ng hampas ng alon sa malalayong lugar ng dagat kung saan nandoon ang mas marami at malaking huli,” he said.

“Kadalasan rin ang kanilang mga kagamitan ay make-shifts lamang. Mabuti ring mabigyan sila ng maayos na communications and monitoring equipment upang mas masiguro ang kanilang kaligtasan habang nakapalaot. Malaking tulong sa ating mga mangingisda kung ito ay matutugunan ng gobyerno,” he added.

Modernize PCG

The lawmaker has likewise proposed the development of scheduled fishing missions to be accompanied by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

As Alejano recognized the state of the country’s coast guard and its limited capabilities, he urged the Duterte administration, as well as its allies in Congress, to prioritize the passage of legislations for the modernization of the PCG.

“Being a maritime nation, there should be no question in modernizing our coast guard. At the start of the 17th Congress, I filed a measure calling for such. My office has been coordinating with the PCG and we are hoping that the House leadership would see the urgency and merit of the passage of the bill,” he said.

There are two bills on PCG modernization pending before the lower chamber— one of which is House Bill No. 111 filed by Alejano and is currently pending at the committee on transportation.   /muf