There was no stopping Zambales fishermen from conducting a fishing expedition in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) yesterday, in defiance of China's fishing ban.
More than 20 small fishing boats sailed at 4:00 in the afternoon, aiming to reach 20-30 nautical miles from Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal).
Vice Chairman of the Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (PAMALAKAYA) Ronnel Arambulo said this was a move in the fight for Filipino fishermen's rights to waters within the country's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
On Monday, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) protested China's fishing ban, as it infringes on international law and the Philippine's sovereignity and maritime rights.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines, or the AFP, are on standby with a contingency plan should China make good of its threat and arrest fishermen caught in the disputed waters.
The AFP emphasized that they do not recognize the fishing ban as its scope includes Philippine waters, wherein Filipinos should be free to source their livelihood.
