The tandem of former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Davao Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio is looking into using Badjaos as sea patrollers to protect the country’s marine environment and prevent illegal fishing.
The proposal, however, was met with sharp criticism from a militant fishermen’s group.
“Being expert fishermen, deep-sea divers, and navigators, Badjaos possess the skills to become effective ‘Bantay Dagat’ deputies,” the tandem said in a statement. “Their heritage and culture have always been tied to the sea, and they can be an invaluable ally in our environmental protection efforts.”
A group of progressive fishermen on Wednesday opposed the proposal of the tandem, calling it “very dangerous” and unnecessary.
“Tapping Badjaos as sea patrols is a very dangerous measure as this tribe group will never be capable of enforcing laws against illegal and destructive fishing vessels that are backed by big-fishing interests, and even despotic politicians,” Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) said in a statement sent to INQUIRER.net.
“Badjaos don’t need a law enforcement position because there are already the coast guard and maritime police to enforce the existing fishing laws against large-scale destructive and illegal fishing,” Pamalakaya added.
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