SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — Fisherfolk leaders from Zambales and Bataan urged the government to strengthen support for fishing communities facing harassment and restrictions in the West Philippine Sea during a forum on Sunday, October 11.

More than 50 fisherfolk leaders and representatives attended the forum organized by the Atin Ito Coalition in partnership with the Center for Information Resilience and Integrity Studies (CIRIS). Discussions focused on livelihood assistance, maritime safety, fishing rights and government programs for communities affected by Chinese incursions.

Representatives from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Philippine Coast Guard and Philippine Navy presented their programs and services for fishing communities.

San Antonio, Zambales, Mayor Arvin Antipolo delivered the keynote address, emphasizing the role of local governments in promoting patriotism and protecting the rights of Filipino fishers.

Antipolo and his municipal government recently received the Atin Ito West Philippine Sea Champion Award for passing a resolution declaring July 12 of every year as West Philippine Sea Victory Day.

Atin Ito co-convenor and Akbayan President Rafaela David called on national and local governments to ensure that Filipino fishers can safely earn a living in the country’s waters.

“Hindi dapat maging dayuhan ang ating mga mangingisda sa sarili nating karagatan. Their right to fish in our waters must be protected,” David said.

She urged the government to continue defending the country’s sovereign rights and provide concrete assistance to fishing communities bearing the brunt of maritime tensions.

Fisherfolk leaders Leonardo “Ka Nards” Cuaresma of the New Masinloc Fishermen Association, Fausto Alpay of the Subic Commercial Fishers Association, Hilda Reyes of the San Miguel Pundaquit Fisherfolk Association, Rosielyn L. Regalado of the Samahan ng Cabangaan-3 Fishermen’s Unity and Maureen Ignacio Mabayo of the Agri-Aqua Association shared their communities’ concerns.

Also present were BFAR national director Elizer S. Salilig, DSWD assistant regional director for operations Armont C. Pecina, DTI regional director Edna D. Dizon.

Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement President Edicio Dela Torre said defending the West Philippine Sea should involve more than asserting territorial claims and must include protecting the people whose livelihoods depend on its waters.

He called for sustained coordination among fisherfolk, local governments and national agencies to turn the forum’s discussions into concrete measures to protect fishing livelihoods, rights and access to traditional fishing grounds.

Fishers question Duterte over alleged China-linked transactions

In a related press conference, fisherfolk leaders also called on Vice President Sara Duterte and her husband, Manases Carpio, to explain allegations that they received millions of pesos from China-linked sources.

Cuaresma, who also serves as an Atin Ito co-convenor, said fishing communities deserve clear answers as they continue to face intimidation, dangerous encounters and restrictions in their traditional fishing grounds.

The fisherfolk leaders said the issue was directly connected to their livelihoods and national sovereignty, citing the economic losses and risks faced by fishing families when they are prevented from working at sea.

“For us, the impeachment trial of the Vice President is not only about unexplained and ill-gotten wealth. This is about our livelihood, our safety, and our country’s sovereignty,” Cuaresma said.

Atin Ito is a civil society coalition composed of fisherfolk groups, artists, youth organizations, advocates and other citizens. Since 2023, it has conducted four civilian-led supply missions to the West Philippine Sea to support Filipino fishers and advance their rights and livelihoods. (Text and photos from Jun Dumaguing for Ang Pahayagan)