MARIING kinondena ni House Deputy Minority leader at ACT Teachers Partylist Rep. France Castro ang ginawang paglalagay ng China ng floating barriers sa bahagi ng Scarborough Shoal dahilan para hindi makapagpalaot doon ang mga Pilipinong mangingisda.
“The installation of these barriers is a clear display of China’s aggressive and expansionist actions in the West Philippine Sea. It is a deliberate attempt to assert dominance and control over the maritime resources that rightfully belong to the Filipino people,” ang matigas na sabi pa ng kongresistang kasapi ng tinaguriang Makabayan bloc sa Kamara.
“Our fishermen have been fishing in Scarborough Shoal for generations, relying on it for their sustenance and livelihood. By obstructing their access, China is not only depriving them of their right to earn a living but also undermining our national sovereignty,” dagdag ni Castro.
Kaya naman nanawagan ang ACT Teachers partylist lawmaker sa pamahalaan na agarang gumawa ng hakbang sa panibagong paglabag at panghihimasok na ito ng China sa katubigang sakop ng Pilipinas.
“The Philippine government must prioritize the welfare and well-being of our fishermen. We must ensure that they can freely and safely access Scarborough Shoal, as well as other traditional fishing grounds in the West Philippine Sea,” paggigiit pa ni Castro.
Hinimok din ng lady House Deputy Minority Leader ang Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) na mahigpit na ipaglaban ang territorial rights ng bansa sa pamamagitan ng diplomatic channels.
“Our fishermen are not pawns in a geopolitical game. They deserve our full support and protection.
We stand in solidarity with them and demand that China immediately remove these barriers, allowing our fishermen to exercise their rights and livelihood without hindrance,” pagtatapos ni Castro. ROMER R. BUTUYAN