Altermidya
By SHERWIN DE VERA
www.nordis.net
BAGUIO CITY — On May 6, at 4:00 AM, Joseph Pante went to the shores of his village in Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte. He was hoping to squeeze in some hours to fish for his family before daybreak, and the “no-sail zone” notice starts for the 2024 Balikatan Military Exercises.
However, Philippine Coast Guard personnel halted his plan, reminding him about the government advisory for the joint training between the United States military and the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
While the 54-year-old fisher from Sitio Nagabungan, Barangay Davila, understood the need for safety, he could not help but worry about the implications for his family’s daily needs.
The “no-sail zone” took effect on Ilocos Norte’s coastal waters on Monday, May 6, for the counter-landing live-fire drill at Lapaz Sand Dunes in Laoag City, the provincial capital. The activity is part of the biggest Balikatan Exercise, with more than 16,000 soldiers from the Philippines and the United States participating.
In a May 5 press briefing at the office of Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Manotoc, Balikatan 2024 executive agent Col. Michael Logico said they had advised mariners three weeks before. Around 600 troops from both parties have arrived in the province for the exercise, which will last until May 10.
“The displacement (of fisherfolk) will take effect tomorrow. It is for the safety of fishermen and commercial vessels entering the exercise area,” Logico said.
Appeal for aid
Pante’s sole source of income is fishing, earning around P3000 from his daily catch.
“Three days ti kunada a saan kami makaruar nga agkalap, ket isu lang met ti panggeddanmi… (saan koma a problema) no adda ti nalawag nga itedda nga ayuda,” Pante said.
(We were told not to fish for three days, but this is our only livelihood… (it would not be a problem) if they provided assistance.)
His neighbor, Angelito Apostol, agrees.
“Dapat koma met ah ket uray ikkan dakami lang ti bassit nga abastomi ta three days nga awan ti masapolanmi, ta awan met sabali a pangeddanmi no saan a dita baybay… Sapay koma ta saanen nga agextend ta awan met pagkalapanmi,” he said.
(They should at least provide us with some relief because, for three days straight, we will not earn anything since our only source of livelihood is out at sea.)
Meanwhile, the church-based group Kaammoyo iti Kappia said fishermen might lose up to P31,500 during the Balikatan, citing data from the Fisherfolk Association ng Barangay 34-A Gabu Norte in Laoag City.
“Ang panawagan ng mga mangingisda ay ayuda o tulong pinansyal dahil sa halos 5-8 araw na sila’y mawawalan ng kita, lalo na at ang pangingisda ang pangunahin nilang hanap buhay,” the group said.
(The fishermen’s plea is for assistance or financial aid because they will lose income for almost 5-8 days, especially since fishing is their primary livelihood.)
In a Facebook post, Laoag City Micheal Keon said those affected by the exercise will receive financial assistance.
“In a display of community spirit, it was agreed that financial assistance would be extended to the fisherfolk and ATV (all-terrain vehicle) operators affected by the exercises,” the mayor said.
“This gesture underscores a commitment to ensuring that all stakeholders benefit equitably from the collaborative efforts, fostering a harmonious relationship between the military exercises and the local community, “ he added.
Opposition
In a statement, Bagong Alyansang Makabayan Ilocos said the activity compromises the safety and livelihood of the people. The group marked the start of the Baliktan in Ilocos Norte with protest banners.
“Sa gitna ng matinding krisis na hinaharap ng mga mamamayan, lalo na ng mga magsasaka at mangingisda dahil na rin sa epekto ng El Niño, pagbabawalan na naman silang pumalaot para lamang magbigay-daan sa pang-uupat ng giyera ng US sa China,” the groups said.
(Amid the severe crisis the citizens face, particularly the farmers and fishermen due to the effects of El Niño, they will again be prohibited from going to sea to accommodate the US provocation against China.)
Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) had earlier expressed concern over the impact of the activity on fisher livelihood.
KMP chair Danilo Ramos said the Balikatan exercises are “totally of no use to farmers and fishers.” He said this also threatens the farmers’ struggle against land grabbing and massive land use conversion.
In addition to the province’s existing windmills and solar power facilities, there is also the proposed P360 billion BuhaWind offshore wind farm in Burgos, Bangui, and Pagudpud. The group urged provincial officials to prioritize the welfare of farmers and fisherfolks instead of facilitating these projects. # nordis.net/Audio recording of interview with Pasuquin fishers from Alyansa ti Mannalon ti Ilocos Norte
