(POLITIKO) Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada on Wednesday (Sept. 25) urged the government to provide protection to Filipino fishermen sailing to the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
“I urge all relevant government agencies to provide these fishermen with the necessary protection and assistance to ensure their safety and their right to fish in Philippine waters,” Estrada said.
“We must stand with them and uphold the rule of law in our territorial waters,” he added.
Estrada issued the statement after the National Security Council (NSC) held a Fishermen Congress in Zambales this week.
The lawmaker said these Filipino fishermen are “not only protecting their livelihood but also standing up for the rights of every Filipino.”
“Kahanga-hanga ang ipinamalas na katapangan at pagtatanggol sa karapatan ng ating kababayang mangingisda mula sa Zambales sa gitna ng panggigipit ng Chinese Coast Guard,” said Estrada.
“Patunay ito na hindi natitinag ang diwa ng sambayanang Pilipino na itaguyod at protektahan ang soberanya ng ating bansa laban sa mga nanghihimasok sa ating teritoryo,” he added.