Fisherfolk to hold sea action in Subic ahead of WPS ruling anniversary

SUBIC, Zambales — Around 250 fisherfolk from this province will stage a symbolic sea action on Sunday (July 5) to kick off a week-long commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the Philippines’ landmark 2016 arbitral victory on the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

The activity, organized by the Atin Ito Coalition in partnership with the New Masinloc Fishermen Association, the Subic Commercial Fishers Association, and the Samahan ng Cabangan-3 Fishermen’s Unity, will begin at 6 a.m. at the Philippine Coast Guard station in Barangay Cawag.

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About 80 small fishing boats and six mother boats will sail into Subic Bay, where participants are expected to form a human Philippine flag and spell out the message “WPS, ATIN ITO!” through coordinated boat formations at around 8 a.m.

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A program will follow at 9 a.m., led by Atin Ito co-convenor Rafaela David and fisherfolk leaders Leonardo Cuaresma, Fausto Alpay, and Rosielyn Regalado.

The sea action comes days before the July 12 anniversary of the 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, which invalidated China’s expansive claims over the South China Sea and affirmed the Philippines’ maritime entitlements under international law.

While widely hailed as a landmark legal victory, the ruling has yet to end the hardships faced by many Filipino fishermen, particularly those from Zambales who continue to report harassment and intimidation by Chinese Coast Guard vessels in parts of the West Philippine Sea.

Fisherfolk say the continued presence of foreign vessels has restricted access to traditional fishing grounds, disrupted their livelihood, and underscored the need to protect their rights and the country’s sovereign maritime interests. /jpv

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