In a demonstration of unity, the broad people’s alliance, PINAS, declared its support for the fisherfolk of Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (PAMALAKAYA) in their protest against China’s actions in the West Philippine Sea.
The protest unfolded at the Chinese Consulate in Makati City, condemning the continuous harassment of Filipino fishers and China’s refusal to respect the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
PINAS spokesperson Antonio Tinio labeled China’s actions as a violation of national sovereignty and a direct threat to the livelihoods of Filipino families.
Tinio expressed solidarity with all Filipinos in demanding an immediate halt to China’s hostile acts, condemning the violations of the Philippines’ EEZ and its disregard for international law, specifically citing UNCLOS and the Hague arbitral ruling.
The recent incident at Panatag Shoal served as an illustration of China’s aggressive incursions into Philippine waters. PINAS denounced this act of intimidation and stood resolute in advocating for the protection of Filipino fisherfolk rights and the defense of national sovereignty.
Antonio Tinio emphasized that the Philippines, along with other nations in the South China Sea region, will never accept China’s assertion of sovereignty. He urged China to withdraw its ships from Panatag Shoal and the entire EEZ, calling for the dismantling of military installations in Philippine waters. Tinio stressed that such actions are essential for reducing tensions in the region.
In a challenge to the Marcos Jr. administration, PINAS urged the government to assert the sovereign rights of the Filipino people over resources in Panatag and the entire EEZ.
Tinio called for the mobilization of government resources to facilitate the return of fisherfolk to the West Philippine Sea. He emphasized that providing support and ensuring the safety of Filipino fisherfolk should be a top priority for the government.
“It’s the fundamental obligation of our government to ensure that sovereign rights become a concrete reality for our fisherfolk, not merely an abstract concept,” stated Tinio in a rallying call for the Marcos Jr. administration to take decisive action in defense of national sovereignty and the rights of Filipino fisherfolk.
All photos by Jire Carreon
