(Eagle News)—Fisherfolk from Palawan and Zambales have turned to the Supreme Court to ensure the protection of the maritime environment in the West Philippine Sea.
In seeking a writ of continuing mandamus that would compel the government to enforce environmental laws in Scarborough Shoal, Ayungin Shoal, and the Mischief Reef or the Panganiban Reef, the Kalayaan Palawan Farmers and Fisherfolk Association, represented by the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, alleged Chinese fishermen have used dynamite in Panatag and Ayungin Shoals in violation of the Philippine Fisheries Code.
The filing of the group’s petition, which also sought for a writ of kalikasan, a legal remedy available to people whose right to a balanced and healthful ecology is violated or threatened, also came following reports Chinese fishermen have been harvesting giant clams in Scarborough Shoal.
The Palace has called this an affront to Philippine sovereignty.
Named as respondents in the petition were Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu, Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol, Admiral Elson Hermogino of the Philippine Coast Guard, Fisheries Director Eduardo Gongona, Navy Flag Officer Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad, Philippine National Police Chief Oscar Albayalde, Police Maritime Group Director Chief Supt. Rodelio Jocson and Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra.