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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PH to take all measures to protect fisherfolk, uphold sovereignty in WPS

PH to take all measures to protect fisherfolk, uphold sovereignty in WPS

Published Sep 25, 2023 08:05 am

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Monday, Sep. 25, vowed to "take all necessary measures" to protect the Philippine sovereignty and the livelihood of Filipinos after China illegally installed floating barriers and prevented fishermen from their fishing grounds in the waters off Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal).

In a statement, the agency said China's move was illegal as it infringed on the Philippines' sovereignty.

Bajo de Masinloc, DFA said, is "an integral part of the Philippines over which we have sovereignty and territorial jurisdiction,"  based on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

"The 2016 Arbitral Award affirms it as a traditional fishing ground of Filipino fisherfolk," DFA said.

"China's reported installation of barriers and its negative impact on the livelihood of Filipino fisherfolk or any other activity that infringes upon the Philippines’ sovereignty and jurisdiction in Bajo de Masinloc are violations of international law, particularly UNCLOS and the Arbitral Award," it added.
 

The DFA has yet to expound on the "appropriate measures" it said it would take. On the other hand, the Chinese Embassy in Manila remains mum on the issue.
 

On Sep. 22, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) discovered a floating barrier about 300 meters in length as they patrolled the vicinity of the Bajo de Masinloc.

Three Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) boats and Chinese militia installed the barrier upon arrival of the BFAR vessel there.

"It was reported by the Filipino fishermen that the CCG vessels usually install floating barriers whenever they monitor a large number of Filipino fishermen in the area," Jay Tarriela, PCG spokesman, said.

The incident happened despite a meeting between President Marcos and President Xi Jinping during the former's visit to China in January, when the Chinese leader agreed to find compromise to allow Filipino fishers to fish in the West Philippine Sea as Beijing continues its claim over the waters.

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bajo de masinloc Department of Foreign Affairs PCG
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