With the issuance of Executive Order (EO) 57, which aims to strengthen marine security in the Philippines, Cong. Wilbert Lee has pushed for the passing of House Bill No. 9011, or the Fishing Shelters and Ports Act, which aims to protect the country's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and enhance the lives of local fishermen.
As per House Bill No. 9011, fishing shelters and ports will be established by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in nine occupied maritime features in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) and the Philippine Rise. All these will be done in coordination with the Department of National Defense (DND) and relevant governmental entities.
The islands of Lawak, Kota, Likas, Pag-asa, Parola, Panata, Patag, Rizal Reef, and Ayungin Shoal would be included in the bill as safe havens for fishermen in case of emergency.
Gears, supplies, and communication gadgets would also be stored at the shelters and ports.
Upholding national sovereignty
Cong. Lee stated that the bill will protect national sovereignty and improve the situation of Filipino fishermen -- in line with Executive Order (EO) 57, which established the National Maritime Council (NMC) and also led to the renaming and reorganizing of the National Coast Watch Council (NCWC).
The aforementioned locations act as refuges for fishermen, affording protection against foreign militia actions or unanticipated events in addition to facilities for rest, storage, and communication access.
"This measure can sustainably ensure and send a loud message that the WPS and the Philippine Rise are ours," Lee said. “Our territorial waters are vulnerable, so are the lives of our fishermen -- our food security soldiers.”
Against rising tensions
Cong. Lee’s initiative was said to aim at protecting the soldiers and people at the frontlines amidst the rising tensions in the West Philippines Sea.
“We cannot remain silent in the face of foreign aggression within our own territory. It is imperative to safeguard the lives and livelihoods of our fishermen and to support our soldiers who bravely defend and protect our territories,” said Lee.
The bill was submitted in light of growing concerns that Chinese vessels were displacing Filipino fishermen in their apparently traditional fishing grounds in the WPS.
“This measure can sustainably ensure and send a loud message that the WPS and the Philippine Rise are ours,” he said.
