Some fishermen’s groups are still demanding justice one year after the controversial “Recto Bank incident,” which harmed the lives of Filipino fishermen in the disputed West Philippine Sea.
In 2019, a Chinese vessel rammed and sank F/B Gem-Ver, a Philippine fishing boat anchored in Reed Bank in the South China Sea. Yuemaobinyu 42212 then abandoned the 22 Filipino fishermen in the middle of the sea.
The stricken vessel’s crew were later rescued by a Vietnamese fishing vessel during the early morning hours of June 9, 2019.
“Exactly one year after the Chinese endangered the lives of our fishermen, no one was ever held accountable,” Fernando Hicap, chairman of the PAMALAKAYA said.
He added that the lives of 22 fishers have not returned to normal since then. Worse, China is still in territorial waters and is threatening Filipino fishermen, Hicap said.
A Chinese association, Guangdong Fishery Mutual Insurance Association, released an apology letter on behalf of the involved Chinese shipowner. It says, “The shipowner of the Chinese fishing boat involved, through our association, would like to express his sincere apology to the Filipino fishermen.” The letter also offered civil compensation for the cost of the damages inflicted on the Filipinos who are onboard the sunken boat.
Also read: Chinese apology: Locsin says ‘I did not accept it.’
The Palace accepted the apology saying, “In relation to this, we accept the recent apology extended by the owner of the Chinese vessel to our fishermen affected by the incident.”
However, according to the PAMALAKAYA, it cost P2 million to repair F/B Gem-Ver, but Typhoon Ursula eventually destroyed it in December.
According to the Permanent Court of Arbitration in 2016, Recto Bank (also known as Reed Bank), is within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ). According to Article XII, Section 2 of the 1987 Constitution, only the Philippines has the right to the said territory.
“The State shall protect the nation’s marine wealth in its archipelagic waters, territorial sea, and exclusive economic zone, and reserve its use and enjoyment exclusively to Filipino citizens,” the law said.
However, it could be recalled that the Chinese Embassy said the Chinese nationals aboard Yuemaobiny 42212 were fishing (purse seine operation) when the incident occurred.
Although the Philippines and China have dispute claims in the West Philippine Sea, President Rodrigo Duterte and Chinese President Xi Jinping are known to be close. Both countries have agreements such as loans and infrastructure projects.