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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider They're blocking Pinoy fishermen: Castro slams latest China move in WPS

They're blocking Pinoy fishermen: Castro slams latest China move in WPS

Published Sep 24, 2023 07:51 am

At A Glance

  • ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. France Castro has slammed China's recent installation of floating barriers in Scarborough Shoal, which she called "a blatant violation of our country's sovereignty and an infringement on the rights and livelihood of our Filipino fishermen".

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ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. France Castro (Screenshot from YouTube live)

 

 

 

 

 

A Makabayan lawmaker has slammed China's recent installation of floating barriers in Scarborough Shoal, which she called "a blatant violation of our country's sovereignty and an infringement on the rights and livelihood of our Filipino fishermen". 

"The installation of these barriers is a clear display of China's aggressive and expansionist actions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS)," ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. France Castro said in a statement Sunday, Sept. 24 

She said the floating barriers are unjustly blocking Filipino fishermen from accessing their traditional fishing grounds. 

"Our fishermen have been fishing in Scarborough Shoal for generations, relying on it for their sustenance and livelihood. By obstructing their access, China is not only depriving them of their right to earn a living but also undermining our national sovereignty," Castro said. 

"It is a deliberate attempt to assert dominance and control over the maritime resources that rightfully belong to the Filipino people," added the militant solon, who is also a House deputy minority leader. 

Castro called on the Philippine government to take immediate and assertive action in response to this violation. 

She urged the government to diplomatically protest China's actions, seek international support, and utilize all available legal means to protect the rights and interests of our fishermen. 

She also prodded the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to intensify efforts in asserting the Philippines' territorial rights through diplomatic channels, while mobilizing international solidarity to pressure China to respect international law and uphold the rights of our fishermen. 

"The Philippine government must prioritize the welfare and well-being of our fishermen. We must ensure that they can freely and safely access Scarborough Shoal, as well as other traditional fishing grounds in the WPS," Castro said.

 

Related Tags

act teachers party-list west philipoine sea FRANCE CASTRO
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