Small fishers to BFAR: File charges vs Chinese vessels destroying marine resources

MANILA, Philippines — The government should take immediate action against Chinese fishermen engaged in illegal poaching activities in the West Philippine Sea to prevent the continued plunder of the country’s marine resources, an association of small fishers said Monday.

Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (PAMALAKAYA) criticized the government’s alleged inaction toward the destructive activities of foreign vessels in Philippine waters. 

The amended Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998 prohibits any foreign entity from fishing or operating any fishing vessel in Philippine waters. 

PAMALAKAYA noted that under the law, the entry of any foreign fishing vessel in Philippine waters constitutes a prima facie presumption of illegal fishing activity. 

“There should be no exceptions or delays. The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) should immediately confront and file charges against all Chinese fishing vessel personnel found in the West Philippine Sea,” PAMALAKAYA national chairperson Fernando Hicap said in Filipino.

PAMALAKAYA stressed that regular patrols in Bajo de Masinloc, also known as Panatag Shoal, announced by BFAR are already too late to address the extensive damage caused by Chinese fishers to the area, such as the destruction of coral reefs and depletion of fish stocks. 

“Imposing penalties on illegal foreign fishing must accompany patrols,” Hicap said.

China’s use of cyanide

Over the weekend, BFAR said that Chinese fishers have been using cyanide to “intentionally destroy” Bajo de Masinloc and prevent Filipino fisherfolk from entering their traditional fishing ground. 

BFAR estimated that damage caused by China’s cyanide fishing could exceed P1 billion.

According to PAMALAKAYA, Filipino fishers have long reported China’s use of cyanide, but previous and current administrations “have taken no action to stop the destruction of the Philippine fisheries.”

“Filipino fishermen are willing to collaborate with citizens of other countries asserting their rights in the South China Sea against the encroachment and plundering of any powerful country like China,” Hicap said.

The Philippine Coast Guard also reported Saturday that floating barriers were once again installed by China around Bajo de Masinloc to keep Filipino boats out of the area.