MANILA, Philippines — The continued presence of Chinese vessels and coast guard in the Panatag Shoal has forced several fishers in Zambales and Palawan to abandon their traditional fishing grounds, resulting in a 70-percent cut in their income.
Following a consultation conducted by the Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) with its members on Wednesday, it reported that the average income of a small-scale fisherman per fishing trip plunged to an average of P300 from an average of P1,000 last year.
Pamalakaya Vice Chair for Luzon Bobby Roldan said Filipino fishers are now unable to return to Panatag Shoal — a feature located 124 nautical miles fro…
Keep on reading: Group: Fisherfolk income down by 70% amid Chinese presence in disputed waters