Fishers to raise concerns thru 'festive march' during Summit

Fisherfolks in the Visayas are expected to gather in Cebu next month during the ASEAN Summit, as they will be conducting a festive march here in the hope of airing concerns to state leaders.

Manny Paterno, chairman of the working committee for the National Government Organization for Fishery Reform said that they will be having their festive march in December, on summit opening, as one of their ways of airing their concerns to the leaders.

Paterno said that the festive march will be attended by different fisherfolk groups in the Visayas, and that the march will be peaceful and colorful because a street dancing will also be held. "We are calling on the government to practice maximum restraint because we are not here for trouble. We are here to air our concerns," Paterno said.

He clarified that they are not pro or anti-ASEAN. "They have good intentions and slogans, but their actual programs do not really correspond to that," he stressed.

Yesterday, leaders of fisherfolks gathered in a forum on the ASEAN summit at the Institute of Religion and Culture. The forum tackled on the actual programs of the ASEAN.

Earlier, leftist groups vowed to stage anti-American protests here next month in time for the summit. Bagong Alyansang Makabayan secretary-general Renato Reyes said his group and allied organizations will launch "Voyagers for Peace," an archipelago-wide caravan to Cebu City where they are planning to camp out after securing a permit to rally from Mayor Tomas Osmeña.

"We will bring one message - resist US war on terror and imperialist plunder. Fight for peace, justice and sovereignty," Reyes said in a statement.

He said protesters are to travel by boat and by plane going to Cebu city where they will set up makeshift venues in anticipation of the shortage of hotels and other accommodations.

"We can camp out even under a mango tree or in covered courts," he said in an interview.

Bayan Muna party-list Rep. Teddy Casiño said he is now preparing his tent, which he intends to share with fellow lawmaker Bayan Muna Rep. Satur Ocampo.

Reyes said he received reports that the military warned retreat houses and other religious institutions from accepting members of progressive groups as transients during their stay in Cebu. Quoting reports, Reyes said that at least 10,000 policemen and 3,000 soldiers will be mobilized to secure the ASEAN meeting but this won't deter them from proceeding with their plan. - Jasmin R. Uy/MEEV