Amid tensions between the Philippines and China over disputed territories, the Diocese of Lingayen-Dagupan has initiated prayers for peace at the West Philippine Sea.
A Mass kicked off activities on the shores of Barangay Cato in Infanta, a coastal town in Pangasinan that is home to hundreds of fishermen. Following the Mass, a fluvial procession involving 20 boats took place, each boat carrying an image of the Virgin Mary.
“Ang ibig sabihin, walang kapayapaan kung walang Diyos at ang lahat ay makakayanan natin sa tulong at awa ng Diyos. Naniniwala tayo na ang kapayapaan ng pilipinas ay darating sa atin sa pamamagitan ng kamay ng Diyos,” Archbishop Socrates Villegas of Lingayen-Dagupan, said.
During the procession, several fishermen waved the Philippine flag to show support for their fellow fishermen who have experienced harassment from the Chinese Coast Guard in the contested waters.
Devotees from various places joined the prayers in Infanta, expressing their hopes for the safety of the fishermen.
“Naway ‘yung mangingisda natin ay sana maging ligtas sila sa araw-araw na sila ay pumapalaot,” Eva Gonzales, one of the devotees, said.
The Diocese of Lingayen-Dagupan will continue to hold prayers for peace in the West Philippine Sea until August 15, 2024.
SONA
Early morning on July 16, 2024, a group of fishermen from Barangay Cato set out to sea, venturing 170 nautical miles from the shore. This marked their last fishing expedition before President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s third State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 22.
The fishermen hope to hear plans from the administration regarding the West Philippine Sea dispute during the SONA.
“Ang gusto namin mangyari [ay] mag-open na muli ang west philippine sea para maayos ang pangingisda namin doon. ‘yun ang hinihiling namin ngayon,” Renante Etac, a fisherman, said.
The presence of the China Coast Guard has limited their movements at sea. They no longer venture to the Scarborough Shoal out of fear of being driven away by Chinese forces.
“Hindi na malaya katulad noon… hinahabol kami, pinapaalis kami, sa kanila daw ‘yun, [at] hindi na raw pwede ang pilipino doon,” Ervin Cubol, another fisherman, said.
“Itataboy ka talaga lalo na ngayon, 30 miles hindi ka na pwedeng lumapit… mahirap na kapag hindi ka makapasok doon,” Marvin Pascual, another fishermen, added.
Normally, the fishermen can catch up to four tons of fish during a three-day fishing trip. However, they believe their haul would be larger if they were free to fish in Bajo de Masinloc
“Malaki ang deprensiya, kapag parating ang amihan doon kami mangisda. Ngayon hindi na kami makapunta, hindi tulad noon,” Cubol said.
The fishermen hope to regain their freedom to fish in the country's territorial waters.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Infanta Substation said they are on standby for any situation and is monitoring government action on the issue closely.
