Manila, Philippines — The activist fishers’ group Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (PAMALAKAYA) is seeking an investigation on the ground to verify and substantiate the report that Chinese ships have been discharging human wastes in the West Philippine Sea.
In a statement, the fishers’ group urged the maritime authorities to look into the activities of Chinese vessels lingering in the Philippine waters. The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) should also lead the investigation and conduct water testing for possible presence of fecal coliform, the group added.
“Our maritime authorities should look into the activities of anchored Chinese vessels to validate this disgusting report once and for all. We likewise urge the BFAR to conduct water sample testing in the area to determine the fecal coliform level,” Fernando Hicap, PAMALAKAYA National Chairperson said in a statement.
Hicap, former Anakpawis Party-list solon, on the other hand, does not dismiss the possibility of the report, given the presence yet unspecified activities of hundreds of Chinese vessels in the West Philippine Sea.
“More than 200 Chinese vessels are present in our waters for more than three months now. Their activities are unmonitored so who knows what more obnoxious behavior are they engaged in? Aside from maintaining seven artificial islands with military structures in our exclusive economic zone, Chinese fishing vessels have been plundering our marine resources. Kaya hindi pwedeng isantabi ang posibilidad ng pagtatapon nito ng dumi ng tao sa ating karagatan,” Hicap added.
“Chinese fishing vessels are rampant on poaching our high-value marine species including giant clams, sea turtles, and shark. This should be enough reason to regard the sewage dumping report as true, thus, they should be made accountable over this distasteful aggression,” ended Hicap. ###
