A buoy effigy was released by a group of fishermen in Masinloc, Zambales on Monday, November 6.

The 18-foot symbolic buoy with a text written "ATIN ANG PINAS," or the "Philippines is ours!" is part of the country's protest against China's 'continued harassment' within the West Philippine Sea.

According to the Association of Masinloc Fishermen, the constant harassment and aggression against Filipino fisherfolk in Scarborough Shoal greatly affects their livelihood.

"Our only appeal is peaceful sailing in our ocean to secure a livelihood for our families," said the group.

Moreover, the group said that the extreme hunger and poverty among Masinloc fishermen and their families are the clear results of China's continued suppression of their fishing in Scarborough.

Meanwhile, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. pledged that his administration would continue to defend the Philippines' maritime territory and the rights of Filipino fishermen.

Marcos made the vow as he justified his recent directive to remove the floating barriers made by the China Coast Guard (CCG) at the southeast entrance of Scarborough Shoal, also known as Bajo de Masinloc.