The government must prioritize the protection of the West Philippine Sea (WPS) as this directly affects the Philippines’ food security, AGRI Party-list Rep. Wilbert T. Lee said on Wednesday.
The Bicolano lawmaker issued the call in the wake of the back-to-back water cannon incidents in the WPS by the China Coast Guard (CCG).
“We must protect our interests in the WPS including both freedom of navigation and the ecosystems in the area as the limited movement of Filipino fisherfolk in the WPS and the destruction of the marine biosphere affect our food security,” Lee said.
The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) defines an EEZ as generally extending 200 nautical miles from shore, within which the coastal state has the right to explore and exploit, and the responsibility to conserve and manage, both living and non-living resources.
Lee pointed out that “the continued aggression of foreign vessels in the WPS hampers the ability of our fisherfolk to fish in the waters within our Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).”
“Nakasalalay sa kakayahan nating protektahan ang WPS ang buhay at hanapbuhay ng ating mga mangingisda.”
Over the weekend, back-to-back water cannon incidents in the WPS was reported by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
On Saturday, Chinese ships repeatedly blasted water cannons at Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) vessels delivering aid to Filipino fishermen near Bajo de Masinloc.
The following day, the PCG said a commissioned vessel on a resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal sustained “serious engine damage” after it was blasted with water cannon by the CCG.
Lee said the government must find ways to enforce its rights within the country’s EEZ.
“Exclusive sya for a reason; Pilipino lang dapat makinabang sa lugar na ito. Winner Tayo Lahat kung maipagtatanggol natin ang karapatan ng ating mga mangingisda sa sarili nating teritoryo.”
The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) defines an EEZ as generally extending 200 nautical miles from shore, within which the coastal state has the right to explore and exploit, and the responsibility to conserve and manage, both living and non-living resources.
