Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri has condemned the act of the unidentified foreign commercial vessel that rammed a Filipino fishing boat in Infanta, Pangasinan on Wednesday, which resulted in the deaths of three fishermen.
"We are extremely outraged and aggrieved by the fatal ramming of an unidentified vessel on a Filipino fishing vessel in the West Philippine Sea, resulting in the loss of three innocent lives. While the details remain unclear is that there has been a disregard for the lives of our fisherfolk, who are simply making a livelihood in our own seas" Zubiri said in its statement on Wednesday.
According to Zubiri, if the incident was an accident, the commercial vessel should've helped the fishermen in accordance with international humanitarian laws.
"We will not rest until we get to the bottom of this incident and identify the vessel that rammed into our fisherfolk. If it was an accident, we must figure out whether there was any attempt to assist our fisherfolk at all, as should have been done under international humanitarian laws," he added.
Zubiri extended his condolences to the bereaved families of the alleged victims and promised to help "seek justice for their loved ones."
The said fishermen were identified as Dexter Laudensia (boat captain), 47 years old; Romeo Mejico, 38 years old; and Benedick Uladandria, 62 years old, all residents of Brgy. Calapandayan in Subic, Zambales.
Based on the Philippine National Police (PNP) report, one surviving victim named Jhonny Manlolo said they were at approximately 190 NM west of Infanta, Pangasinan, when they encountered a sea mishap with an unidentified southbound commercial vessel navigating the area, causing heavy damage on the starboard side outrigger of FB DEARYN, eventually capsizing it.
The PNP said the three crewmen died due to possible fatal head trauma. The ten other fishermen involved in the incident survived.
Meanwhile, Senator Jinggoy Estrada urged the government to do a deep investigation, as the security of the country's fishermen is its priority.
