THE PHILIPPINE Coast Guard has removed floating barriers put up by the Chinese Coast Guard at the entrance of the Bajo de Masinloc that prevented Filipinos from entering the traditional fishing ground.
This was also confirmed by Commodore Jay Tarriela, the Coast Guard spokesman for the West Philippine Sea, adding the order to remove the barriers came from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
“In compliance with the instruction of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea Chairman, Secretary Eduardo Año, has directed the Philippine Coast Guard to execute a special operation to remove the floating barrier that obstructed the southeast entrance of Bajo De Masinloc (BDM),” the Coast Guard said.
Tarriela said the barrier posed a hazard to navigation and a clear violation of international law. “It also hinders the conduct of fishing and livelihood activities of Filipino fisherfolk in BDM, which is an integral part of the Philippine national territory," he added.
Tarriela also emphasized that the 2016 Arbitral Award has affirmed
that BDM is the traditional fishing ground of Filipino fishermen. “Thus, any
obstruction hindering the livelihoods of Filipino fisherfolk in the shoal
violates international law. It also infringes on the Philippines' sovereignty
over BDM,” he said. “The decisive action of the PCG to remove the barrier
aligns with international law and the Philippines’ sovereignty over the shoal.”
He said the Coast Guard remains committed to upholding international law, safeguarding the welfare of Filipino fisherfolk, and protecting the rights of the Philippines in its territorial waters.
Chinese Coast Guard and militia vessels have been harassing Filipino fishermen and Philippine Coast Guard right inside the country’s territorial waters. (Mindanao Examiner)
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