The fisherfolk group PAMALAKAYA expressed concern on Friday over the continued presence of Chinese and United States naval ships in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), stating that such activities threaten their livelihoods.
In a statement, the group called for the “demilitarization” of the WPS, citing the “recurring presence of foreign naval ships” from the two rival nations.
PAMALAKAYA highlighted the recent presence of China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel 5901, dubbed the “monster ship,” which they believe was a response to the US naval ship Victorious patrolling the area last month.
“Hindi hiwalay ang dalawang insidente ng paglalayag ng mga barkong pandigma ng US at China sa ating karagatan. Sa bawat paglalayag ng isa ay tiyak na tinatapatan ng kagayang paglalayag ng karibal nitong bansa,” said PAMALAKAYA vice chairperson Ronnel Arambulo.
(The patrols of US and Chinese warships in our waters are not separate incidents. Every time one of them sails, the other is sure to respond with a similar maneuver.)
He added, “Para sa aming mga mangingisda, walang inosente sa mga pagdaan ng barko ng U.S. at China sa West Philippine Sea, dahil kapwa ito mapang-udyok sa isa’t-isa.”
(For us fishermen, US and Chinese ships have no innocent passage in the West Philippine Sea because they provoke each other.)
Meanwhile, US Embassy Press Attaché Kanishka Gangopadhyay defended Washington’s operations, stating that they comply with international law.
“All of our operations are designed to be conducted in accordance with international law and demonstrate that the United States will fly, sail, and operate wherever international law allows,” Gangopadhyay said.
PAMALAKAYA continues to advocate for the demilitarization of the WPS to ensure the safety and livelihood of local fisherfolk amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.