Senators seek justice for 3 Filipinos killed in Scarborough Shoal ramming incident

At least four senators are calling the authorities to seek justice on the death of three Filipino fishermen who were killed when their fishing boat was rammed by a foreign commercial vessel while sailing near Scarborough Shoal.

Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri immediately issued a statement expressing outrage on the incident, saying there has been a "disregard for the lives of the fisherfolk who are simply making a livelihood in our own seas."

"We will not rest until we get to the bottom of this incident, and identify the vessel that rammed onto our fisherfolk. If it was an accident, we must figure out whether there was any attempt to assist our fisherfolk at all, as should have been done under international humanitarian laws," Zubiri said.

Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros also issued a statement condemning in the strongest possible terms the ramming incident, noting that the foreign vessel left fishing boat and the Filipino citizens in the water.

"This despicable act is an affront to all Filipinos. I call on the authorities to leave no stone unturned. Kailangang mapanagot ang sinumang gumawa nito: sinuman sila, nasaan man sila. Hindi nila matatakasan ang batas [Those responsible should be held accountable. No matter who they are or wherever they may be. They cannot run away from the law]," she said.

Hontiveros also reiterated her proposal to increase the intelligence funds of the Philippine Coast Guard for the safety and security of our fellow Filipinos.

For Senator Grace Poe, those who will be found responsible must be "meted the appropriate punishment," adding that "no one should escape the long arm of the law."

Likewise, Poe called on Philippine maritime authorities to increase their presence in our waters and strictly monitor local vessels sailing to fish to ensure their safety.

As he called for exacting accountability to those responsible for the death of the Filipinos under existing laws, Senator Francis Tolentino emphasized the need for the passage of the Philippine Maritime Zone Bill and the procurement of necessary equipment for the Philippine Coast Guard.

Tolentino earlier said that the proposed Maritime Zones Act will establish the extent of Philippine jurisdiction over its exclusive zones and its continental shelf.

He said this will be passed along with another measure that will establish the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes. This proposed legislation would govern all ships and aircraft passing through its sea lanes and overflight routes.

'Those responsible will be held accountable'

Earlier in the day, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. ensured that those responsible for the ramming incident will be held accountable.

In a statement on Wednesday, Marcos said Philippine authorities are currently investigating the incident.

"We are deeply saddened by the deaths of the three fishermen, including the captain of the fishing vessel. The incident is still under investigation to ascertain the details and circumstances surrounding the collision between the fishing boat and a still unidentified commercial vessel," he said.

Ramming incident

The PCG said one crew member of FFB Dearyn shared that the incident happened before dawn on Monday, October 2.

The Filipino fishing boat was moored 85 nautical miles northwest of Scarborough Shoal, locally known as Bajo de Masinloc, when it was rammed by the foreign commercial vessel.

The boat submerged, resulting in the death of its 47-year-old captain and two crew members aged 38 and 62, the PCG said. All the fatalities are residents of Zambales province.

The PCG, in an assessment report, said the vessel that collided with local fishing boat was an oil tanker registered under the flag of the Marshall Islands. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News