Some 48 fisherfolk who earn their living in the West Philippine Sea have joined the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary, reinforcing the role of fishing communities in protecting the country’s territorial waters.

The new volunteers underwent indoctrination and oath-taking on 28 January 2026 at Barangay Bulawen in Palauig, Zambales. The fisherfolk came from the provinces of Zambales, Bataan and Pangasinan.

The initiative forms part of a broader strategy to involve fishing communities as front-line volunteers who can assist the Philippine Coast Guard in safeguarding maritime interests and protecting the marine environment in the West Philippine Sea.

Guest speaker Jay Tarriela, the Coast Guard’s spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, shared insights on maritime security and highlighted the importance of civilian auxiliaries as force multipliers in protecting national interests.

Tarriela underscored the need for cooperation, lawful conduct at sea and heightened vigilance, noting that Filipinos should remain alert as online spaces are increasingly being targeted by disinformation spread by trolls.

He said the volunteers’ roles include promoting safety of life at sea, protecting the marine environment, implementing coastal community relations programs, and assisting in youth development initiatives.

Also present at the ceremony was Jay Batongbacal, director of the University of the Philippines Institute for Maritime Affairs and Law of the Sea, who has long advocated for a stronger and more visible Coast Guard presence to protect Filipino fisherfolk from harassment in the West Philippine Sea.

Batongbacal stressed that Filipino fishermen are civilians pursuing their livelihoods and should not be treated as part of “gray zone tactics,” unlike foreign maritime militias, even as he continues to push for stronger legal and security measures at sea.

The induction of the 48 fisherfolk marks a step toward empowering coastal communities as partners in maritime safety and national security, while reaffirming their commitment to protect both national sovereignty and their livelihoods.