Senate President Juan Miguel 'Migz' Zubiri on Sunday called on the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to "immediately cut and remove" the "illegal" 300-meters-long floating barrier that China Coast Guard (CCG) had installed at the southeast portion of Bajo de Masinloc (BDM) or also known as Scarborough Shoal.
In a press statement, Zubiri asserted that CCG has "no right to put any structures" within the country's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
"Secondly, these structures pose a danger to passing fishing boats that can get entangled on the lines and cause considerable damage to the propellers and engines of our fisherfolk,” he added.
PCG Spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea (WPS) Jay Tarriela said the 300-meter-long floating barrier, which was discovered during a routine maritime patrol, has been preventing Filipino fishing boats from entering and doing fishing activities at the said shoal.
He said that three CCG rigid hull inflatable boats and the Chinese Maritime Militia service boat installed the floating barrier.
“I would like to request our Philippine Coast Guard to immediately cut and remove all these illegal structures located at our West Philippine Sea not just to assert our sovereign rights to the area but to protect our fishermen from any possible accidents that may arise from these illegal structures,” the Senate President said.
Zubiri then commended the PCG for its “untiring and unwavering commitment to watch and protect the areas” within the country's EEZ.
Meanwhile, Senator Risa Hontiveros did not mince her words when she aired out her frustrations at CCG's installation of the 300-meter-long floating barrier.
"China’s cruelty knows no bounds. Napakawalang hiya na agresibo nilang hinaharangan ang ating mangingisda sa sarili nating karagatan," she said in a statement posted on her Facebook page.
Hontiveros said the country should not allow China to continue the illegal actions. Otherwise, she said Filipino fisherfolk, who rely on the sea for their food and livelihood, will severely starve.
"I trust that the Philippine Coast Guard can escort our fisherfolk and ensure that they pass through the floating barriers," she said.
The Senator then called the Marcos administration to review the national policy and not let such acts go unpunished.
"If we allow China’s bullying to continue, it will cost the lives of our own people," she furthered.
