Zambales fishers urged to return to West PH Sea amid Chinese vessels

Fishermen in Zambales receive 10,000 in cash, food packs and first aid kits during a two-day Congress at the Subic Municipal Gymnasium organized by various government agencies early this week. (Photo by Joanna Rose Aglibot)

SUBIC, Zambales – Fishermen in Zambales were encouraged by the Philippine Coast Guard to continue fishing in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), despite the increasing presence of Chinese vessels.

During a Fishermen’s Congress here from Monday to Tuesday (Sept. 23-24) , local fisherman Leonido Moralde, who recently returned from a month-long trip in the WPS on Sept. 14, reported seeing a rise in the number of Chinese vessels near the disputed Scarborough Shoal (Bajo de Masinloc or Panatag).

“That was probably the most we’ve seen,” said Moralde.

He added: “We couldn’t get close, but even from a distance, we could spot eight vessels. One was gray, and we thought it was ours, but when we saw the red flag, we realized it was Chinese.”

Due to the worsening situation, Moralde and his fellow fishermen decided to relocate their payao (fish aggregating device) near Scarborough Shoal and move it 150 nautical miles (277 kilometers) away from Subic.

“Here in the municipal waters, there are many small boats competing with us,” Moralde explained.

During the congress forum, Commodore Jay Tarriela, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, encouraged the fishermen to return to the WPS—not just for fishing but to assert the country’s sovereign rights over the area.

“We have limited resources, so the Philippine Coast Guard and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources can’t be there 24/7,” Tarriela said.

READ: PH mulls leasing foreign ships to expand West Philippine Sea presence

He added: “But we strategically deploy our vessels when the weather is favorable around Bajo de Masinloc.”

However, fishermen like Moralde remain concerned, especially given China’s increasing aggression.

“We’re still worried because we’re always out there at sea. Even if we’re far from the shoal, we still face harassment,” Moralde said.

Moralde was one of 150 fishermen who attended the two-day Congress at the Subic Municipal Gymnasium.

They participated in first aid and life support training, community forums to discuss their concerns, and received P10,000 in cash, food packs, and first aid kits.

The event was organized by the National Security Council (NSC) in collaboration with the Philippine Coast Guard, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine Information Agency, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Department of Agriculture, Department of Social Welfare and Development, and Department of Health.

NSC Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya assured the fishermen that the government is taking the WPS issue seriously.

“I want to hear your needs and concerns so our government can address them. While we can’t fulfill all your needs, we will do everything we can to support your fishing efforts,” Malaya said.