Watch: Filipino Fisherman Denies Harassment on West PH Sea, Urges Media to Report Properly (Video)

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque on Monday, June 11 brought 3 fishermen all the way from Masinloc, Zambales to Malacañang Palace, where they confirmed that they were not harassed by Chinese coast guard when they went fishing China Coast Guard in Scarborough Shoal. Watch the video below, as one of them speaks about the issue.

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During the press briefing, Roque asked the three fishermen - Romel Cejuela, Delfin Egana, and Jurry Drio to share their experiences while fishing in the disputed area. According to Cejuela, they started fishing in 2012, during the time of President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, until now under the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte.

Cejuela said in 2012, the Chinese coast guard was blocking them if they try to get close to the Scarborough Shoal. However, things started to change during the time of President Rodrigo Duterte. Now, they are allowed to fish freely, and that it would be better if old issues will not be brought up again because they might be blocked again.

"Linawin lang namin na wala naman ginawang pangha-harass sa amin kumbaga ano lang parang mapilit silang kukuha ng isda kasi hindi naman kami magkaintindihan 'yung ano lang doon 'fish' 'yun lang tapos aakyat sila sa amin.” He said, clarifying that there was really no harassment done, but admitted that sometimes they take fish from them.

“Titignan nila 'yung mga lalagyan namin, pipiliin titignan nila yung magagandang isda. Wala naman kami magagawa kasi nakikisama lang muna kami, kasi nandyan yung mga barko nilang malalaki.” He added, noting that they were just trying to get along with the Chinese coast guard, and that they cannot do anything because their big boats are there.

“Pero di naman totally na aalis sila na walang kapalit. Minsan, nagbibigay sila ng noodles, sigarilyo tsaka tubig…Kumbaga, barter. (They [Chinese coast guard] do not totally leave without giving us anything. Sometimes, they would give us noodles, cigarettes, and water. We call it barter.)" The fisherman explain further.

At the last part, Cejuela requested the media to report properly about them fishing at Scarborough Shoal. “Gaya sa media, yung hindi masyadong nakukuhang video, kumbaga di naman siguro yun totally harassment.” He added. However, he also requested that Chinese coast guard would rather ask them nicely instead of climbing to their boats.



Cejuela was referring to the cell phone video obtained by GMA News and aired last June 7, showing a China Coast Guard personnel who approached a Filipino vessel and asked fish from them. But because the fishermen told the foreigners they still had no catch at the time, they left without bringing anything with them.

Contributed by Orlando Gagui