The administration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., together with the House of Representatives under the leadership of Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, will do everything in its power to protect Filipino fishermen under threat of detention from China if they continue to fish in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) come June 15, a press release from the House of Representatives said.
This is according to Zambales Rep. Jefferson Khonghun during the press conference on Friday, after the hearing of the House Committees on National Defense and Security and on the West Philippine Sea on the alleged “gentleman’s agreement” between former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and China on the Ayungin Shoal.
Part of the solution, he said, involves diplomatic protests that can be lodged against this illegal Chinese action of threatening to detain Filipino fishermen who fish in the Bajo de Masinloc off Zambales, which is within the Philippines’ territory and exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
Also, Khonghun said initiatives in the House of Representatives to fund additional vessels for the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Philippine Navy in next year’s national budget will strengthen the capabilities of the Philippines in protecting its fishermen.
Sta. Rosa City Rep. Dan Fernandez advised fishermen to fish in groups as it may deter China from detaining them because there is strength in numbers.
Leyte Rep. Richard Gomez, for his part, encouraged the government to continue the bilateral talks with China to prevent the latter from detaining Filipino fishermen.*
