DAGUPAN CITY - A Pangasinan solon hailed the recent decisions of President Rodrigo Duterte on matters regarding the Philippine waters which include the recent send-off of Vietnamese fisherman back to their homeland and the “free” fishing at the Panatag Shoal.
Second District Representative Leopoldo Bataoil said the gesture of support of the President to free the 17 Vietnamese fishermen, who were caught poaching in Ilocos waters on September 3, is “proper and beautiful.”
“The President displayed the spirit of cooperation between nations to ensure safety and humanitarian assistance to anybody who will be faced with such difficult situations” Bataoil said during the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas forum adding vigilance in the protection of resources must continue.
The solon added during the send-off in Sual, Pangasinan, he saw for himself how every fisherman that day appreciated the gesture.
On matters of Filipino fishermen fishing in Panatag Shoal, Bataoil said there is a ruling of the international court in favor of the Philippine government. Philippines had bilateral talks with China for a win-win solution.
He said during a test run for fishermen in the coastal town of Infanta in Pangasinan, the fishers were able to bring home a bounty catch without being disturbed.
“Without this initiative of President Duterte, we will still be fishing in limited areas,” Bataoil said.
The Provincial Board of Pangasinan also passed a resolution expressing the gratitude of the province for the efforts made by President Duterte that allowed Filipino fishermen to resume fishing in Panatag Shoal.
The resolution credited Duterte’s quiet diplomacy in trying to build mutual trust and confidence, the friendship between China and the Philippines has been renewed which resulted in Filipino fishermen’s full access to Panatag Shoal. (PIA)