A decade after landmark ruling, West PH Sea fight continues

SUBIC, Zambales, Philippines — A decade after the Philippines won its landmark arbitral case against China, fisherman Leonardo Cuaresma still believes the battle for the West Philippine Sea is far from over.

On Sunday, Cuaresma, president of the New Masinloc Fishermen Association, led fellow fishermen in a symbolic sea action in Subic Bay, where about 250 fisherfolk aboard dozens of boats formed a giant Philippine flag and spelled out the message, “WPS, ATIN ITO!” to mark the approaching 10th anniversary of the July 12, 2016 arbitral ruling.

READ: West PH Sea arbitral win 10th anniversary kicks off with sea action

For Cuaresma, the gathering was both a celebration of the country’s legal victory and a reminder that fishermen continue to bear the brunt of China’s presence in the disputed waters.

“As we celebrate the 10th anniversary of our historic victory, we once again reaffirm our commitment to our beloved West Philippine Sea,”  Cuaresma said in Filipino.

He added: “The arbitral ruling was an important victory, but the struggle is not yet over. As long as China continues its incursions and aggression in our waters, we will continue to stand firm and fight for our rights.”

Week-long commemoration

Organized by the Atin Ito Coalition together with the New Masinloc Fishermen Association, the Subic Commercial Fishers Association, and the Samahan ng Cabangan-3 Fishermen’s Unity, the activity launched a week-long commemoration leading to the July 12 anniversary of the ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague.

READ: AFP urges more LGUs to declare July 12 ‘West PH Sea Victory Day’

Fishermen from Zambales are among those most affected by the continuing maritime dispute. Many have abandoned fishing near Scarborough Shoal, once one of their richest fishing grounds, after years of alleged harassment and intimidation by the Chinese Coast Guard.

Even fishermen who no longer venture near the shoal said the issue remains deeply personal as Chinese vessels have increasingly been spotted near their traditional fishing grounds.

National West PH Sea Victory Day

The event also renewed calls for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to declare July 12 as National West Philippine Sea Victory Day through an executive order.

Atin Ito co-convenor Rafaela David said recognizing the date would preserve one of the country’s greatest diplomatic victories while honoring the fishermen and frontliners who continue to defend the nation’s maritime rights.

“July 12 is more than a date in our history; it is a reminder that truth, international law, and the courage of the Filipino people prevailed,” David said.

READ: Maritime council backs DFA in asserting 2016 arbitral ruling vs China

“Declaring it as National West Philippine Sea Victory Day will help preserve this victory in our national memory, strengthen public awareness and education, and ensure that future generations are equipped to reject disinformation and defend what is rightfully ours,” she added.

Nearly 10 years after the tribunal invalidated China’s sweeping claims over the South China Sea, many of the fishermen who gathered in Subic Bay said the legal victory remains meaningful — but only if it continues to be defended on the water. /coa /atm