President Marcos has urged the people of Sulu to protect the country's rich natural resources in the province and reminded them to not abuse it.
Marcos made the call amid reports of illegal fishing activities in the waters off Sulu. He said the Philippine National Police (PNP) has intensified maritime patrols through the Sulu Maritime Police Station to address illegal fishing.
"Sa dako naman ng patuloy na nangyayaring illegal fishing sa karagatan ng Sulu, umaaksyon na po ang ating kapulisan sa pangunguna ng Sulu Maritime Police Station upang magpatrolya at mabantayan ang ating yamang-dagat (Amid the continuous illegal fishing activities in the waters off Sulu, our police headed by the Sulu Maritime Police Station are now responding to patrol our water resources)," he said in his speech during the distribution of assistance in Sulu on Friday, July 5.
“Siguraduhin din ninyong napangangalagaan nang wasto ang ating kalikasan at huwag abusuhin ang paggamit ng ating mga pinagkukunang-yaman (Make sure to protect our natural resources properly and do not abuse our resources),” he added.
The President also urged local governments in Sulu to ensure the safety of fishermen in the province.
"Sa ating mga lokal na pamahalaan, patuloy po ninyong suportahan ang ating kolektibong pagsisikap upang maging mas maayos at ligtas ang ating mga minamahal na mangingisda (To our local governments, continue to support our collective effort to ensure a decent and safe life for our beloved fishermen)," Marcos said.
According to Malacañang, there have been reports that illegal fishing activities such as the use of dynamite and cyanide remain rampant in Sulu waters. Many fishing vessels are also operating without necessary permits, the reports added.