Filipino fisherfolk are increasingly confident in venturing into the West Philippine Sea, buoyed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s firm defense of the country’s sovereignty in the region.
Commodore Jay Tarriela, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesperson, said, “Since the beginning of President Marcos’ administration, we have seen a large number of Filipinos fishing in the West Philippine Sea.”
He said the safety of the Filipinos was PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan’s promise to the President.
Commodore Tarriela said the objective of China in deploying the monster ship in Zambales is to scare away and discourage Filipinos from sailing in the Bajo de Masinloc and to ensure that no Filipino will fish there.
“The morale of our troops, as well as the Armed Forces of the Philippines, I think, remains high because now we believe that our president is supportive and firm about our cause in the West Philippine Sea,” Tarriela said.
Strengthening the PCG forces
According to Tarriela, the PCG is supported by the Department of Budget and Department of Finance (DOF) to recruit an additional 4,000 personnel.
The recruitment is nationwide, from Luzon to Mindanao.
Those interested can visit the nearest PCG unit for them to apply and/or inquire about the requirements.
There is one PCG station in Ilocos Sur located in Barangay Salomague, Cabugao, and the seven sub-stations are in Candon City, Narvacan, Santa Maria, Santa Catalina, Santa, San Esteban, and Tagudin.
Fleet modernization
“We are also very lucky that we have a very supportive Congress and Senate for the modernization of the Philippine Coast Guard and the acquisition of more assets,” shared Tarriela.
The PCG has the support of DOF to purchase capabilities and vessels as a part of the modernization effort approved by the President.
New ships and capabilities are “in the pipeline,” Tarriela said, adding that the Japanese government is already constructing five more 97-meter vessels, an addition to the fleet of the PCG.
Importance of the alliances
These alliances with Japan, along with pacts with other countries such as Canada, Australia, and the United States, Tarriela explained, will make a big country like China hesitate in bullying smaller countries like the Philippines.
He said that besides the modernization that they can support, the mere fact that China will have a second thought in doing aggressive and unlawful actions is already part of deterrence.
Tarriela emphasized that the most important reason President Marcos continues to fight for sovereignty is because the West Philippine Sea is a part of the Philippines.
He urged the residents to do the same as Filipinos, whether they are from Ilocos or Mindanao or Visayas, if they truly are Filipinos.
He said, “We need to make a stand for the world to understand that we really care for our country.”
He called it the most important thing as a Filipino: to fight for the right of other Filipinos regardless of where they come from. (AMB/ATV, PIA Ilocos Sur)
