BFAR pledges immediate assistance to FB Dearyn victims

The Department of Agriculture–Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources promised to provide immediate assistance to the bereaved families of the three fishermen who died on the FB Dearyn when it was rammed near Bajo de Masinloc.

According to a statement released by DA-BFAR on Friday, the bureau provided P20,000 and food packs during the victims’ wakes on Thursday at Subic, Zambales.

The bureau will also provide college scholarships for the victims’ children, including tuition fees in the institution where they will be qualified, a monthly stipend, and a thesis allowance until graduation.

The DA-BFAR for would also prioritize the children for future employment.

“Alam po naming walang kahit anong tulong ang makakatumbas sa buhay ng inyong mga mahal sa buhay, pero nandito po ang aming ahensya para mag-abot ng paunang tulong at makagaan kahit kaunti sa inyong nararamdaman,” said DA-BFAR National Director Demosthenes Escoto.

(We know that no kind of assistance makes up for the loss of your loved ones. But our agency is here to offer immediate assistance that may slightly ease your grief.)

Meanwhile, the 11 survivors of the ramming received P2,000 cash aid and food packs from the bureau, as well as additional livelihood packages such as further training and equipment.

The BFAR has also pledged to provide a brand new 62-foot fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) fishing boat to the Subic Commercial Operators Fishing Association Inc., and assistance in restoring the wrecked FB Dearyn once recovered from the West Philippine Sea.

“Malalim po ang respeto namin sa mga mangingisda ng Pilipinas, na itinuturing naming mga bayani at kasangga ng pamahalaan para masigurong may sapat na pagkain sa bansa," said Escoto.

(We deeply respect Filipino fishermen, whom we consider heroes, and the government's partners in ensuring the country has enough food.)

"Ayaw po naming makakita ng mga mangingisda na namamatay habang nagsasakripisyo para sa kanilang pamilya at sa bayan, kaya ikinalulungkot po namin ang nangyari at kaisa po ninyo kami sa paghahangad ng katotohanan at hustisya.”

(We do not want fishermen killed while sacrificing for their families and the country. This is why we are saddened by what happened, and we are with you in the search for the truth and justice.)

Three Filipino fishermen were killed when a foreign commercial vessel rammed the FB Dearyn while the fishing boat was transiting the waters off the Scarborough Shoal on October 2. — DVM, GMA Integrated News