By Jelly F. Musico
MANILA, April 24 (PNA) – The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has advised Filipino fishermen not to approach near the disputed Bajo de Masinloc, known as Panatag Shoal, to prevent similar incident where local fishermen were hurt after the Chinese coast guard hit them with water cannon.
”Let me be very, very clear on the guidance that we’re giving to our fishermen. We are not encouraging our fishermen to venture into areas where there is a conflict,” BFAR director Asis Perez said in a press briefing in Malacanang.
Perez advised the fishermen to stay away within the four nautical miles of the disputed Panatag Shoal which is part of the West Philippine Sea.
”So as long as you stay within that area, there should be no problem, and we are conducting patrol in that area,” he said.
Perez clarified that the government committed no lapses when the Chinese coast guard blasted the Filipino fishermen with water cannon while they were fishing in the West Philippine Sea last weekend.
”I don’t think we have any lapses. The problem is somebody did something wrong and that’s not us,” Perez said without giving specific.
Deputy presidential deputy spokesperson Abigal Valte agreed that the Filipino fishermen did nothing wrong “because it’s our territory.”
“Our fishermen do not need permission to fish in our waters. As Attorney Perez said they have designated areas but in general, they need no permission because it’s ours,” Valtez said. (PNA)