THE Armed Forces of Philippines (AFP) encouraged Filipino fishermen to continue with their livelihood.
This comes after China’s announcement of a fishing ban in the disputed waters in the West Philippine Sea.
In a press conference on Wednesday, Commodore Roy Vincent Trinidad, spokesperson of the Philippine Navy for the West Philippine Sea, said that the entire AFP is ready to protect Filipino fishermen.
“To our fellow citizens who are fishing especially in Bajo de Masinloc, I would like to say that the Philippine Navy and the entire Armed Forces are fully supportive of your actions and your livelihood, which has been a traditional source of income. Do not be afraid; continue, and the AFP and the entire government are behind you,” according to Comm. Roy Vincent Trinidad, Spokesperson, WPS.
The official emphasized that all actions by Beijing are illegal and purely intimidation.
“All the actions of China, which is an implementation of coast guard law effective February 1, 2021, are illegal. They are against international law. Our commander-in-chief said they are all unacceptable. The SND says they are provocative. China is out of tune. China is out of their minds,” added Trinidad.
Trinidad added that no Filipino or even foreign fishermen have been arrested since China issued the statement that they would apprehend anyone entering their territory.
“The pronouncement of China started in 2021 when the law was passed. The issue there is the pronouncement, and I did not come across that it was implemented.”
“Yes, I have not come across any report, not only of Filipino fishermen but also other maritime Asian fishermen like those coming from Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam,” Trinidad stated.
Because of this, the AFP is more determined to fulfill its duty to protect the sovereignty of the Philippines.
“All actions of China that would threaten our national sovereignty, our territorial integrity, and the welfare of the Filipino people will always serve to strengthen the Philippine Navy’s and the AFP’s resolve to perform its mandate. This will further serve as a unifying call not only for the entire armed forces but for all Filipinos as well,” Trinidad expressed.
Col. Francel Margareth Padilla, spokesperson of the AFP, emphasized that all actions taken by the Philippines to resolve the disputes in the West Philippine Sea are legal.
“We would like to emphasize that our actions are grounded in legal principles and being Filipinos’ peaceful advocacy aiming to resolve our disputes through diplomatic channels,” said Col. Francel Margareth Padilla, Spokesperson, AFP.
