Bataan fishermen welcome Duterte’s announcement on Scarborough Shoal

MARIVELES, Bataan — Fishermen from the picturesque fishing village of Sisiman here on Tuesday welcomed the announcement of President Rodrigo Duterte that a few days from now, Filipino fishermen can already go to the disputed Scarborough Shoal.

“Sa awa ng Diyos, magpasalamat kami sa Presidente na bigyan niya kami ng magandang hanapbuhay na makapasok sa Scarborough Shoal. Naghihirap na kami sa kabuhayan,” said Lodgie Pageleng, captain of fishing boat (F/B) John Michael.

He said that their livelihood has been affected after they were banned from fishing at the Scarborough Shoal, known as Panatag Shoal.

“Maganda ang pamamalakad mo Mr. President. Tulungan mo kami dahil naghihirap na kami at Scarborough na lang ang pag-asa namin,” he said.

The boat skipper said they are rushing the fi nishing touches on F/B John Michael. “Kapag payag na, diretso na kami sa Scarborough. Maraming isda roon. Salamat Mr. President, tinulungan mo kami sa aming kahirapan,” Pagaleng said.

“Malaking bagay sa mga mangingisda kung papayag na makapasok sa Scarborough Shoal,” said Flordeliza Salota, president of the 500-strong Sisiman Fishing Operators Association.

She said that fishermen are raring to be back to the contested shoal.