MANILA, Philippines — Fishers’ group Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) yesterday urged Cavite Gov. Jonvic Remulla to lift the fishing ban imposed on eight coastal municipalities in the province following the sinking of oil tankers in Bataan.
The group said the ban is detrimental to the livelihood of the fisherfolk as these areas are not affected by the oil spill.
Remulla earlier declared a state of calamity in Bacoor, Kawit, Maragondon, Naic, Noveleta, Rosario, Tanza and Ternate due to the sinking of the vessels.
A no-catch zone has been implemented for all shellfish in the province.
Pamalakaya vice chairman Ronnel Arambulo said at least 30,000 fishermen across Manila Bay have also been displaced by Typhoon Carina.
“The fishermen are more affected by the action of local government units than the oil spill itself. They did not receive any support following the implementation of the fishing ban in Cavite,” Arambulo said.
Meanwhile, Pamalakaya members in Cavite received relief goods from the Bayanihan Alay sa Sambayanan, a humanitarian arm led by the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan.
Arambulo said the relief operation was intended for fishermen displaced by the typhoon, the southwest monsoon and the fishing ban related to the Manila Bay oil spill.
He said the group would launch campaigns calling for appropriate and humanitarian actions including climate change adaptation initiatives.