Pamalakaya to Carpio: US won’t save us from China
Manila, Philippines – The militant fisherfolk Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya-Pilipinas) on Monday called on the attention of Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio about his stand on the Enhanced Defence Cooperation Agreement (EDCA).
Justice Carpio said that through the EDCA, the Philippines can boost its military defence against China. The EDCA, which will allow U.S. military to have access on our facilities, was upheld its constitutionality by the Supreme Court last week.
Pamalakaya said the U.S. is a huge debtor to China and the latter plays a big role in the U.S. economy.
“The U.S. won’t engage any military war with China because the former has more economic interest and ties with China than the Philippines.” Salvador France, Pamalakaya vice-chairperson said in a statement.
The fisherfolk group reminded Justice Carpio the economic distrubances and grave human rights abuses committed by the American troops to the Filipino people and the fisherfolk.
Pamalakaya said several fishing bans have been imposed by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Reforms (BFAR) on our seas to give way to the US-RP balikatan exercises all for the cost of the fisherfolk’s lives and livelihoods.
On 2009, the BFAR imposed a 6-month fishing ban in the Bicol region because of the US-RP annual balikatan exercise.
Also in Subic, two fishing boats sank after being rammed by US guided missile destroyer in Subic Bay. Three Filipino fishermen were injured and their fishing boats capsized and badly damaged. This incident has brought fear and intimidation to the fisherfolk to return to their livelihoods again.
The group also reminded Carpio when Obama first visited the country two years ago that the U.S. won’t help the Philippines in its dispute with China.
“The EDCA won’t do any better to our country but it is a complete threat to our security and lives of the Filipino people under the guise of protecting us from external conflict and military modernization.” France said.
“We call on Justice Carpio and other Magistrates to rethink twice and become extra vigilant on this new face of military treaty between our country and the United States. Justice Carpio should hear the grievances of the ordinary people and fisherfolk who directly experienced the nightmare and terror brought by those American troops.” France ended. ###
