THE government will further strengthen its programs for the safety of Filipino fisherfolks who venture into the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro confirmed this in a media interview on Wednesday.
This initiative stems from the challenges and security threats faced by fisherfolks during their voyages.
‘‘With the help of BFAR, they will not just allow our fishermen to fish, but they will also provide our fishermen with the capability to upgrade their vessels to make them safer and sturdier, and this will enable them to catch larger quantities of fish. Fisherfolks will be encouraged to form cooperatives so that they no longer have to use the type of vessels we see on the screen now. That is for the medium term.’’
‘‘In the short term, they will be accompanied by BFAR vessels where they refuel, and receive water, and food, and the coast guard will also accompany them,’’ according to Sec. Gilbert Teodoro, DND.
However, Filipino officials clarify that the provision of larger and sturdier boats is not limited to the West Philippine Sea as it also applies to other parts of the country’s territorial waters.
The goal is to ensure sustainable fishing and improve the livelihoods of Filipinos.
‘‘It’s not in the West Philippine Sea but in the eastern portion of the West Philippine Sea. In the strategic plan, we will implement in the coming times, these will be joined ship ports. They will not be used just for military purposes but also for the Coast Guard. These will serve as safe havens and docking points for fisherfolks and processors of fish for the drying and processing of rice and other products,’’ Sec. Teodoro said.
Given the ongoing disputes and tensions, particularly in the contested areas in the West Philippine Sea, the DND Secretary stressed that the unity and cooperation of Filipinos are crucial for the continued livelihood of our fishermen in our territorial waters.
He also appealed to all Filipinos to be resolute in defending our country against any attempts to encroach upon or claim our properties.
‘‘Our strongest weapon against China is the unity of Filipinos. Let us not allow China to weaken this weapon, which is the resilience and unity of the Republic of the Philippines.’’
‘‘Whether you are Ilocano, Bisaya, a Chinoy or speak any dialect, we are all part of the Republic of the Philippines, and this is not just about us but also about the future of our children.’’
‘‘Be it energy security, food security, or territorial integrity, the honor of the Republic of the Philippines depends on this,’’ Teodoro stated.
To recall, just last week, the Philippines successfully conducted its resupply mission for Filipino soldiers stationed at Ayungin Shoal.
However, the country once again faced unfavorable treatment from the Chinese Coast Guard, which the military strongly criticized.
DND rejects China’s statement calling Philippines ‘A puppet of America’
In fact, the Department of National Defense was displeased with China’s characterization of the Philippines as an American puppet, emphasizing that it is false, as the Philippines is a responsible and mature nation and is not a puppet of anyone.
‘‘The Philippines’ infringement and provocation at Ren’ai Jiao have been emboldened and supported by the US’s connivance and support. For quite some time, China and the Philippines have managed the situation at Ren’ai Jiao through communication relatively well and reached understanding. Since the beginning of this year, however, the US has been blatantly emboldening the Philippines’ acts of infringing upon China’s sovereignty and inciting and supporting the Philippines’ attempts to repair and reinforce its warship that was deliberately ‘grounded’ on Ren’ai Jiao.
The US even sent over military aircraft and vessels to assist and support the Philippines, and repeatedly sought to threaten China by citing the US-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty. What the US does has considerably bolstered the Philippines as it infringes upon China’s sovereignty and makes provocation at Ren’ai Jiao and had egregious impacts,” according to Mao Ning, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China.
‘‘We are countering the narratives by information operations such as this. That’s why we are explaining to our countrymen why they should not believe in China’s narrative. China is still asserting its stable Chinese narrative that this is all orchestrated by the United States, and we are merely puppets obediently following their agenda. This is insulting to Filipinos and it assumes that we lack the ability to pursue our own interests and defend our rights. I find this extremely condescending and it disgusts me,’’ Teodoro said.
These concerns have arisen from multiple reported instances of harassment by certain Chinese vessels, particularly in the West Philippine Sea.
According to Secretary Teodoro, the DND will not allow such actions and will stand with the Filipino people in asserting our rights.
‘‘We are encouraging our fellow countrymen to truly stand up against China’s insults towards us,’’ he added.\
