Organisers of a fishing event in the Philippines released orange buoys imprinted with the phrase “Atin Ito” in a symbolic gesture to promote the message that Filipinos should be free to fish in areas determined by international law. This event was in response to a threat to this freedom, particularly at the Scarborough Shoal, which has been controlled by China since 2012. Due to fears of confrontation with the Chinese, fewer Filipino fishermen have been venturing out to this area, which is known for its rich marine life.
The Scarborough Shoal was ruled as a common fishing ground for artisanal fisherfolk of claimant-states, including China, Vietnam, and the Philippines, in an international arbitration. However, China continues to assert its sovereignty over much of the South China Sea, including Scarborough Shoal, despite the ruling invalidating its claims and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea outlining a nation’s maritime zones. This includes the belt of sea a country can claim based on the distance from its coast.
The tensions at Scarborough Shoal and the broader South China Sea are part of a larger territorial dispute between China and several other countries in the region. The Philippines, along with Vietnam and other claimant-states, have been pushing back against China’s expansive claims and control over these disputed areas. This has led to increased militarisation of the region and a challenging environment for fishermen to navigate.
The release of orange buoys and the symbolic message of “Atin Ito” was seen as a form of resistance and a call for solidarity among Filipinos to continue asserting their rights to fish in these disputed waters. The event aimed to draw attention to the ongoing struggles of Filipino fishermen in the face of Chinese control and intimidation in the South China Sea. By highlighting the importance of upholding international law and the rights of all claimant-states in the region, organisers hoped to raise awareness and inspire action to protect the livelihoods of local fishermen.
Despite the challenges and risks involved, the event demonstrated the resilience and determination of Filipino fishermen to continue fighting for their rights in the face of adversity. By coming together and uniting against a common threat to their freedom to fish, participants of the event showed solidarity and strength in their ongoing struggle for justice in the South China Sea. The release of the orange buoys served as a powerful symbol of resilience and resistance against the dominance and control of China in these contested waters, sending a clear message that Filipinos will not back down in the face of intimidation and threats to their rights.
The fishing event at Scarborough Shoal not only highlighted the plight of Filipino fishermen facing challenges in their own waters but also underscored the broader issues at play in the South China Sea. The territorial disputes and control over strategic maritime areas have far-reaching implications for regional stability and security. By raising awareness and advocating for the rights of local fishermen, the event sought to amplify the voices of those directly impacted by China’s territorial ambitions and to urge for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing tensions in the region.
