Filipino fishermen join PCG, BFAR at Recto Bank

Fishermen from Quezon, Palawan joined the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) to place “payao,” a floating aggregate device (FAD) used to attract fish, at Recto Bank in the West Philippine Sea. 

According to Mav Gonzales report on 24 Oras Weekend, the fishermen spent almost two days sailing to the tablemount farther from shore than their usual fishing grounds, where the supply of fish had decreased. 

“Doon lang po kami kikita ng pera. Kung meron sa malapit di na kami pupunta sa malayo. Problema wala na dito sa malapit,” said John-John Pastera, fisherman. 

(We can only earn money from there. If there are fish nearby, we will not go far. The problem is, there are no fish nearby.)

They run the risk of being harassed by the China Coast Guard and Chinese maritime militia vessels whenever they sail to Recto.

“Minsan iikot-iikutan kami. Minsan niro-rombo kami mabilis takbo nila tapos biglang hihinto. Hinahayaan na lang namin. Di mo alam gagawin nila. Kung tatakutin ka lang ba o tutuluyan ka. Eh paano kung tuluyan ka,” he added. 

(Sometimes we go around. Sometimes we are being chased by them, and they run fast and suddenly stop. We just let it go. You never know what they will do. Are they just trying to scare you, or will they attack outright? What if they follow through?)

The PCG and BFAR said they will monitor the ten payao the fishermen placed at Rozul Reef in Recto Bank.

“Rozul Reef has been a traditional fishing ground for Filipinos. That’s the reason why we strategically identified Rozul Reef as a priority for FAD-laying operation,” said PCG spokesman for WPS Commodore Jay Tarriela. 

Fisherman Rodel Cabuena said he noticed the increase in Chinese ships at Recto Bank.

“Pag dumidikit sa amin, iwas na lang. Lumalayo kami sa kanila, tutal may nag-a-assist na BFAR,” he said. 

(When they come close to us, we just avoid them. We just moving away, since BFAR is assisting us.)

As the Philippines continues to contend with China's intrusions in the country's exclusive economic zone, small fishermen like Cabuena and Pastera have a simple wish.

“Dasal namin ay walang mangyaring ano sa amin. Makarami ng huli. Makauwi nang maganda para may pang-ano sa pamilya,” said Cabuena. 

(We pray that nothing will happen to us. That we catch more fish. That we get home safe so that there is something for the family.)

“Gusto lang namin maayos presyo ng isda. Maproteksyunan natin yung sa atin. Ibang bansa naman umaani ng yaman natin,” Pastera added.

(We just want proper fish prices. To protect what is ours. It’s the other countries who are reaping our wealth.) — Sherylin Untalan/BM, GMA Integrated News