HOUSE deputy majority leader Rep. Alfred Delos Santos does not favor giving any Filipino fishermen any intelligence and evidence-gathering roles in the seas of the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
The Ang Probinsyano Part-list congressman said he rejects putting Pinoy fishermen in danger. “Let soldiers, professionals, and trained reservists do the job, not the fishermen.”
“Kaya nga nagdesisyon ang Kamarang ilipat sa Philippine Coast Guard at iba pang ahensyang nagbabantay sa WPS at EEZ ang confidential and intelligence funds dahil sila ang mga ahensyang nararapat mangalap ng ebidensya at intel,” Delos Santos pointed out.
He said the Philippine Coast Guard has the “mandate on maritime and marine environment law enforcement extending out to the EEZ.”
Delos Santos stressed not even Bantay Dagat sea wardens should be given intel roles or deployed in the EEZ because “Bantay Dagat sea wardens are for coastal fisheries law enforcement” or limited to coastal fishing areas.
Instead of giving fishermen mobile phones and other devices for evidence-gathering, Delos Santos said, “It would be better to mobilize the PCG auxiliaries and military reservists if the PCG and AFP need more people to gather evidence and intelligence.”
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