APD | Fishermen urged to fish in Philippine waters

By APD writer Melo M. Acuña

MANILA, April. 1 (APD) – Defense Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana said the Western Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines has continuously monitored the waters around Pag-asa Island and are aware of the presence of Chinese vessels and their activities in the area.

“The Department of National Defense has been communicating reports about the incidents to the Department of Foreign Affairs for appropriate action,” the DND statement released this afternoon revealed.

“Just as the Philippines honors our international obligations and protocols, we also expect other countries and their vessels to do the same especially when sailing and fishing in international waters,” the statement added.

The Department of National Defense said this is “necessary in order to avoid any misunderstanding and to reduce tensions between countries in the region.”

Secretary Lorenzana said they at the Department of National Defense “encourage our fishermen to continue their fishing activities in our waters and Exclusive Economic Zone.”  

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)