FISHERMEN from Masinloc, Zambales released the giant effigy of a buoy on Monday to express their anger at China for denying them access to the Bajo de Masinloc, their traditional fishing ground.

The effigy represents the buoys that held up a net barrier that Chinese ships had installed last September at the approach to the shoal to block fishing boats from the Philippines.

A group of fishermen in Masinloc, Zambales released a giant buoy on Monday, November 6, 2023, at the island of San Salvador to protest China’s harassment of fishermen. PHOTOS BY MIKE DE JUAN

The words “Atin Ang Pinas” (the Philippines is ours) were inscribed on the effigy to affirm the country’s legal claim to the Bajo de Masinloc, was cast adrift near the island of San Salvador, a barangay of Masinloc.

The Philippine Coast Guard, on orders from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., promptly dismantled the barrier, but Chinese coast guard and maritime militia ships continue to drive away Filipino fishermen from the shoal.

Masinloc councilman Richard Pascual and incoming barangay captain of San Salvador said the community is dependent on the sea for food and livelihood.

The constant harassment and intimidation by the Chinese has left them hungry and angry, Pascual said.

He thanked Masinloc Mayor Arsena Lim for continuously supporting the town’s fishermen, and the President and the Philippine Coast Guard for defending their right to fish in the shoal.

“Our only appeal is the peaceful sailing in our ocean to secure livelihood for our family,” Pascual said.