by Isabela Canlas
The call for demilitarizing the West Philippine Sea has intensified as fisherfolk demand protection of the country’s sovereignty and their rights. President Bongbong Marcos Jr. has been criticized for not taking sufficient action to safeguard these rights. It’s imperative for the Philippines to assert its sovereignty over the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the West Philippine Sea and to uphold the International Tribunal arbitration ruling, which validates the Philippines’ legal, political, and historical claims to this region.
History of the West Philippine Sea
China’s extensive maritime claims, depicted by its 9-dash line, encompass areas that belong to the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, Taiwan, and Vietnam. The dispute came to a head in July 2016 when the Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled in favor of the Philippines, dismissing China’s expansive claims over maritime entitlements in the West Philippine Sea.
Despite being a signatory to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which established the tribunal, China has refused to recognize the court’s authority or abide by its ruling. This defiance was starkly illustrated on January 12 at Bajo de Masinloc, where Chinese Coast Guards aggressively confronted Filipino fisherfolk, ordering them to throw back their catches.
US and China War Aggression
The increasing aggression between the US and China over the West Philippine Sea places the Philippines in a perilous position, vulnerable to an imperialist conflict. President Marcos Jr., often seen as a puppet of US imperialism, has opened the Philippines’ doors to extensive US military exercises. This move is seen as provocative, exacerbating Chinese aggression in the region.
According to the fisherfolk group PAMALAKAYA, the US stands to benefit economically from such conflicts by selling weapons to the Philippines. The escalating tensions not only threaten regional stability but also jeopardize marine biodiversity and the livelihoods of fisherfolk. These communities are on the frontlines of these geopolitical power plays, bearing the brunt of the conflict’s impact.
Promoting and pursuing an independent foreign policy that prioritizes the interests of the Filipino people is crucial in asserting our sovereignty over the West Philippine Sea.
Harassment of Local Fisherfolk
In response to these issues, a collective fishing expedition was organized by local fisherfolk on May 30-31, 2024 to assert the Philippines’ sovereign rights over the West Philippine Sea. However, Joey Marabe, secretary of the Panatag Fisherfolk Association, reported that they faced increased military surveillance following the expedition.
Julius Ecijan, president of Panatag, revealed that military personnel from the 69th Infantry Battalion visited their association, accusing PAMALAKAYA members of being recruiters for the New People’s Army (NPA).
This harassment by military forces isn’t new. Progressive groups have consistently been red-tagged by the state for asserting their basic rights to land, livelihood, housing, education, and healthcare among others, highlighting ongoing intimidation tactics against those defending their fundamental rights.
This harassment by local authorities, in addition to the aggression from the Chinese Coast Guard, creates a hostile environment for Filipino fisherfolk. These incidents undermine their efforts to defend national sovereignty and continue their livelihood.
The demilitarization of the West Philippine Sea is crucial to safeguard the rights and livelihoods of Filipino fisherfolk. The Philippine government must take a firm stance in asserting the country’s sovereignty and upholding international rulings in its favor. Addressing both external threats from foreign powers and internal harassment by local authorities is essential to create a safe and just environment for those who rely on the sea for their sustenance and survival.
Promoting and pursuing an independent foreign policy that prioritizes the interests of the Filipino people is crucial in asserting our sovereignty over the West Philippine Sea. Such a policy must distance itself from the influence of major powers, ensuring that the Philippines is not used as a pawn in larger geopolitical conflicts. It should place the rights and welfare of Filipino fisherfolk and coastal communities at the forefront, advocating for sustainable livelihoods and peace in our territorial waters. Only through a truly independent and people-centered foreign policy can the Philippines effectively uphold its sovereignty and secure a just and lasting resolution to the disputes in the West Philippine Sea.
By standing together and demanding demilitarization, fisherfolk and the broader Philippine community can protect their national sovereignty and secure a peaceful future for the West Philippine Sea. Only through a collective effort can the Philippines ensure the protection of its territorial waters and the well-being of its people.
