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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Food security at stake in protecting West PH Sea, says solon 

Food security at stake in protecting West PH Sea, says solon 

Published Dec 15, 2023 05:10 am

At A Glance

  • Not only is the Philippines' territorial integrity at stake in protecting the West Philippine Sea (WPS), but the country's food security as well, said AGRI Party-list Rep. Wilbert T. Lee.

IMG-ecfeb445826bcd036c59fff135224c69-V.jpgAGRI Party-list Rep. Wilbert T. Lee (Rep. Lee's Office)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Not only is the Philippines' territorial integrity at stake in protecting the West Philippine Sea (WPS), but the country’s food security as well. 

Thus, said AGRI Party-list Rep. Wilbert T. Lee in the wake of the back-to-back water cannon incidents in the WPS by the China Coast Guard (CCG). 

"We must protect our interests in the WPS including both freedom of navigation and the ecosystems in the area as the limited movement of Filipino fisherfolk in the WPS and the destruction of the marine biosphere affect our food security," Lee said in a statement. 

The Bicolano pointed out that "the continued aggression of foreign vessels in the WPS hampers the ability of our fisherfolk to fish in the waters within our Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)". 

"Nakasalalay sa kakayahan nating protektahan ang WPS ang buhay at hanapbuhay ng ating mga mangingisda (Our fishermen's lives and livelihood depends on our capability to protect the WPS)," he said. 

Over the weekend, back-to-back water cannon incidents in the WPS was reported by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG). 

On Saturday, Chinese ships repeatedly blasted water cannons at Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) vessels delivering aid to Filipino fishermen near Bajo de Masinloc. 

The following day, the PCG said a commissioned vessel on a resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal sustained "serious engine damage" after it was blasted with water cannon by the CCG. 

Lee said the government must find ways to enforce its rights within the country's EEZ. "Exclusive siya for a reason; Pilipino lang dapat makinabang sa lugar na ito (It's exclusive for a reason; Filipinos should be the sole beneficiaries of this place)." 

The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) defines an EEZ as generally extending 200 nautical miles from shore, within which the coastal state has the right to explore and exploit, and the responsibility to conserve and manage, both living and non-living resources.

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Wilbert T. Lee Agri Party-List of Rep. Wilbert Lee chinese coast guard west philippine sea
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