Tolentino discusses with DFA fate of Filipino fishers after China threat

Sen. Francis Tolentino Senate PRIB file photo

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Francis Tolentino said that the alleged policy that the Chinese Coast Guard can detain “trespassers” in their “borders” threatens the livelihood of Filipino fishermen.

Tolentino said on Friday that he has discussed the policy with Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Enrique Manalo.

READ: DFA: China’s Coast Guard rules violate international law

“Itong banta na sila ay laging hinuhuli, hinaharang, hinaharass ng Chinese militia at maging ng Chinese Coast Guard ay isang malaking banta sa kanilang hanapbuhay at ganoon na rin po sa seguridad ng ating bansa,” Tolentino said.

(The threats that they might be caught, blocked, or harassed by the Chinese militia and the Chinese Coast Guard is a large threat to their livelihood as well as to the security of our country.)

READ: Marcos: China’s new rule vs trespassers ‘unacceptable’

The senator likewise added that Filipinos should not discount this as an empty threat.

“Napag-usapan po yung nakaaamba at bantang paghuhuli ng Chinese Coast Guard sa ating mangingisda at takot at wag nating balewalain bilang isang banta lamang,” he added.

(We have talked about the threat of the policy of the Chinese Coast Guard detaining our fishermen, and we should not discount this as an empty threat.)

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said that the alleged rule, which was announced by the South China Morning Post on May, was unacceptable to the country.

READ: AFP: PH won’t be deterred, intimidated by China’s ‘anti-trespassing’ policy

The DFA also expressed its opposition, saying that it violated international law.

Meanwhile, the Armed Forces of the Philippines encouraged fishermen to keep fishing in the country’s exclusive economic zone, as authorities will be there to support them.