Senators seek removal of floating barrier in Bajo de Masinloc

Senators on Sunday sought the removal of the floating barrier installed by China in Bajo de Masinloc, a traditional fishing ground for Filipinos in the West Philippine Sea.

In separate statements, Senate President Juan Miguel "Migz" Zubiri, Senators Risa Hontiveros and Francis Tolentino, called on the Philippine government to remove the floating barrier around Bajo de Masinloc, which prevents Filipino fishermen from entering the shoal for their livelihood activities.

According to Zubiri, China has "no right to put any structures within our exclusive economic zone," referring to the floating barriers allegedly installed by the Chinese Coast Guard around Bajo de Masinloc.

"These structures pose a danger on passing fishing boats that can get entangled on the lines and cause considerable damage to the propellers and engines of our fisherfolk," he said in a message to reporters on Viber.

"Therefore I would like to request our Philippine Coast Guard to immediately cut and remove all these illegal structures located at our West Philippine Sea not just to assert our sovereign rights to the area but to protect our fishermen from any possible accidents that may arise from these illegal structures," he added.

The Philippine Coast Guard on early Sunday reported the presence of a floating barrier in the southern portion of Bajo de Masincloc – allegedly installed by China.

The Senate chief expressed gratitude to the PCG for its "untiring ang unwavering commitment to watch and protect the areas within our Exclusive Economic Zones and Bajo de Masinloc is well within our 12NM territory."

"We in the Senate stand by our brave men and women who risk their lives for the freedoms that we enjoy today," he said.

Senator Francis Tolentino, who chairs the Senate Special Committee on Maritime and Admiralty Zones, echoed the Senate chief's request on the PCG.

"I agree with the removal of the floating barrier because it is not allowed to do it. It signifies a restricted zone," Tolentino said in a separate statement on Filipino.

According to him, only the Philippines is allowed to install floating barriers in emergencies such as oil spills or if its part of aquaculture management as a temporary measure.

"Bajo de Masinloc is 120 nautical miles only from Zambales. Our fishermen should not be stopped by China from fishing in our fence," he said.

"China violated international law when it installed the floating barrier. It should be removed immediately. The PCG is correct in assisting our fishermen," he added.

Cruelty

For her part, Hontiveros described the recent China's act as "cruelty."

"China's cruelty knows no bounds. They have no shame in blocking our fishermen from their own waters," she said.

"Filipino fisherfolk are among the poorest in our country. They only rely on our seas for their food and their livelihood," she added.

The opposition senator reiterated China's aggressive actions in the West Philippine Sea, particularly the recent coral destruction along Rozul Reef and Escoda Shoal.

"The next generation would no longer benefit from these natural resources," she said.

"We will not allow China to starve our fellow Filipinos to death. I trust that the Philippine Coast Guard can escort our fisherfolk and ensure that they pass through the floating barriers," she added.

Hontiveros renewed her call to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to review the current national policy towards China.

"We should no longer accept acts like this going unpunished. If we allow China's bullying to continue, it will cost the lives of our own people," she stressed.

The Daily Tribune sought comments from the Department of Foreign Affairs, and the Chinese Embassy in Manila about the developments in the West Philippine Sea, but they have yet to respond as of press time.