Trillanes should be charged with treason – PAMALAKAYA
Manila, Philippines – The militant fisherfolk group Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (PAMALAKAYA) calls for the investigation of Senator Antonio Trillanes IV for his covert visits to China during former President Benigno Aquino’s term which made Beijing took full control of the Scaroborough Shoal, a traditional fishing ground for the Filipino fishermen which is part of the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
Trillanes had made 16-times visit to Beijing without the Filipino people’s awareness on its real score. After his covert and overt visits, China had completely occupied the Scarborough Shoal and prevented Filipino fishers from going into the shoal.
“Trillanes’ secret backdoor discussions with China are something that has to be closed and probed. We had lost control of the Scarborough Shoal after those visits that put the livelihood and security of our Filipino fishers are stake” Fernando Hicap, PAMALAKAYA Chairperson said in a statement.
Trillanes is a known United States (U.S.) rabid attack dog who is unresolved on President Rodrigo Duterte’s pronouncements to gradually separate our country from the U.S. control while exploring new diplomatic relations with China and Russia.
“President Duterte should be wary about Trillanes. The U.S. may release him on its leash very soon and ready to attack and sabotage all our initiatives to pursue a peaceful conclusion with China. Trillanes should be held accountable for no less than treason and betrayal of public trust,” Hicap said.
Since October 25, Filipino fishers are now able to peacefully return to Scarborough Shoal as a result of President Duterte’s informal negotiations with Chinese leaders during his state visit to China on October 18-21.
“Even though we are now able to fish in our traditional fishing grounds, this should not spare Trillanes from investigation on why our sovereignty and national interest had been once compromised,” Hicap ended. ###
