19-6-2024 (MANILA) In a bold stance against China’s recent assertion of authority over disputed waters, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) of the Philippines has resolutely dismissed Beijing’s “maritime regulation,” declaring that it would not impede the nation’s fishing activities in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
“First and foremost, the Philippines does not recognize this unilateral declaration of China. The Philippines would continue fishing in the West Philippine Sea,” BFAR spokesman Nazario Briguera firmly stated during a press briefing on Tuesday.
Briguera emphasized the agency’s unwavering position, adding, “We do not see the unilateral declaration of China will actually create impact in terms of production because first and foremost we do not recognize this declaration.”
Significantly, the BFAR spokesman revealed that the agency has not received any reports of Chinese authorities detaining Filipino fishermen since the enforcement of the regulation began.
“And if they are going to detain Filipino fishermen, then it would be another provocation on the part of China that can be considered a violation of international laws,” Briguera warned, underscoring the potential consequences of such actions.
Despite the escalating tensions with China over territorial claims in the region, the Philippines has achieved a remarkable feat by expanding its fish catch in the WPS last year to a four-year high of over 200,000 metric tons. This impressive yield was bolstered by increased state support for the nation’s fishermen.
According to data from the Philippine Statistics Authority, cited by the BFAR, the country’s fisheries output in the WPS in 2023 reached an impressive 201,894.49 metric tons, nearly 15 percent higher than the 175,784.73 metric tons recorded in 2022.
The fish catch from the WPS accounts for a substantial 7% of the country’s annual fish supply for domestic consumption, underscoring the vital importance of these disputed waters to the nation’s food security.
