A group of Filipino fishermen defied China’s fishing ban in the West Philippine Sea by embarking on a collective fishing expedition in Masinloc, Zambales on Thursday. The Panatag Fisherfolk Association, a local affiliate of Pamalakaya, organized the activity with more than 20 small fishing boats venturing 20 to 30 nautical miles off Masinloc. Pamalakaya national vice chairman Ronnel Arambulo emphasized the importance of asserting fishing rights in the exclusive economic zone through this economic activity. Before setting sail, a send-off mass was held in Barangay Collat. The expedition was a response to China’s four-month fishing moratorium in the WPS, which the fishermen believe has no basis and encroaches on Filipino territory.
