By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — Fisherfolk groups in Iba, Zambales, are calling for stronger government assistance as repeated maritime restrictions caused by joint military exercises continue to hurt their livelihood.
Thousands of fishermen are expected to suspend fishing activities again from May 28 to 30 during the upcoming Philippines-United States Bilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity in parts of the West Philippine Sea.
Leonardo Cuaresma, president of the New Masinloc Fishermen Association, clarified that local fishers are not against military drills aimed at strengthening national defense. However, he stressed that affected families urgently need financial support while fishing operations are suspended.
According to Cuaresma, many fishermen have no alternative source of income whenever fishing bans are enforced.
He also warned that the effects of military exercises go beyond the temporary closure period, saying heavy naval activity and live-fire drills scare away fish and may damage coral reefs.
Fishing communities in coastal towns, including Olongapo City, Masinloc, Iba, San Antonio, Botolan, Subic, and other nearby areas, are expected to be affected by the restrictions.
The latest closure follows several earlier disruptions this year, including weather advisories, military exercises, and rocket launch safety precautions near Scarborough Shoal, all of which have reduced fishing days for local communities.
ia/xf
