Masinloc, Zambales – A group of fishermen here released on Monday morning a giant buoy effigy at the island of San Salvador to convey their anger and hunger to China as a result of their continued harassment and aggression at Scarborough Shoal.
In a statement after the release of the buoy, the Association of Masinloc Fishermen shared the event that transpired – the release of the giant buoy with the inscription “Atin Ang Pinas” (The Philippines is Ours) as a sign of the fishermen’s claim of their source of livelihood.
According to Richard Pascual, village councilor and incoming barangay captain of the island of San Salvador, the island is dependent on the bounty of the ocean. Food, employment, brought about by their simple life in the island. The constant harassment and aggression against their fishermen in the Scarborough greatly affects their livelihood.
Pascual added that their hunger is the result of China’s continued suppression of their fishing in the Scarborough.
Meanwhile, the fishermen also thanked the local government and President Marcos.
Pascual said in Filipino, “I want to personally thank our Mayor Arsena J. Lim for the continuous support to our fishermen. We also thank our President Ferdinand Marcos and the Coast Guard for continuously defending our right to fish in the Scarborough.”
“Our only appeal is the peaceful sailing in our ocean to secure livelihood for our family,” he said.
The Chinese Embassy has yet to react to the move as of posting time.
