Press Release: Pamana Ka Pilipinas

of Chinese Poachers
by Ginnie Faustino-Galgana
Released for Haribon Foundation, March 2002

Fisherfolk leaders felt it was unfair that the Philippine government is giving preferential treatment the illegal poachers from China.

The leaders, who are officers of Pambansang Alyansa ng Maliliit na Mangingisda na Nangangalaga ng Karagatan at Sanktwaryo sa Pilipinas (PAMANA ka sa Pilipinas or PAMANA), expressed this dismay during the launch of Bangka’t Buhay 2002, this year’s celebration of National Fisheries Conservation Month.

Fernando “Tio Andoy” Tiburcio, President of PAMANA KA Sa Pilipinas said, “Ako ho ay isang anak ng Pilipinas na pinarurusahan kung nagkakasala. Hindi ho natin maiiwasan na sumama ang loob namin kung ang ibang tao ay pawawalan lamang kung nagkamali sila, lalo na’t sila’y dayuhan.” (I am a child of the Philippines who gets punished when I do wrong. We can't avoid feeling dismayed when others are let off so easily when they do wrong especially if they are foreginers.)

In their celebration of Bangka’t Buhay 2002, PAMANA is bringing forward issues to the public in an effort to help better the plight of local fisherfolk. Among these is their call for the immediate implementation of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Administrative Order 2000-17 or DAO 17 which helps give small fishers preferential use of their municipal waters. DAO 17 clearly defines the boundaries which enables the local governments to manage and protect their municipal waters.

Tio Andoy compared the Chinese poachers to the three fish wardens or Bantay Dagat from Danao Bay in Masamis Oriental who are languishing in jail, accused of a crime that happened during their watch in the marine Sanctuary. Zaldy Bali-os, Edwin Arapoc and Arthur Tumangub were accused of killing Raymundo Gayola Jr. who was caught with two other fishermen entering the restricted area of the Baliangao Wetland Park in Danao Bay. PAMANA is calling for justice for the three fish wardens.

In a 15-point manifesto, PAMANA outlined key issues that they would like the government to address, including:

§ Provision of support and benefits for the fish wardens;
§ Investigation of officials and law enforcers allegedly involved in anomalies concerning fishing;
§ Establishment of Marine Courts to settle disputes; and
§ The formulation of a law that would award tenure and settlement rights to fisherfolk.

They also expressed concern over the lack of government support in the implementation of the general provisions of Republic Act 8550 or the Fisheries Code. They observed that this was manifested the most in the case of the three Fish Wardens of Danao Bay who did not receive any support from the government when all they did was to help local enforcers protect the marine sanctuary.

To make people aware of these issues, Bangka’t Buhay 2002 is slated to hold various activities in nine bays throughout the country. These activities include fluvial parades, caravans, races and fora. One such activity is a concert by former Haribon Board Member, Joey Ayala in Bolinao, Pangasinan and several symposia discussing the challenges encountered in the conservation of marine protected areas.

For more information, contact PAMANA Secretariat at 4/F Fil-Garcia Towers, Kalayaan Ave. cor. Mayaman St., Teacher’s Village, Quezon City, Tel. No: 436-2756, 435-3208 or 436-4363 loc. 16 or email pamanaka@mozcom.com.