FISHERFOLKS CONDENMS INDONESIAN DEPORTATION OF FISHER ACTIVISTS
FISHERFOLKS CONDENMS INDONESIAN DEPORTATION
OF FISHER ACTIVISTS
Manila. Fishers from Kilusang Mangingisda
(KM) picketed infront of the Indonesian Embassy to protest and hold indignation
on the deportation of its 11 fisher leaders last May 11, 2009 in Manado Indonesia.
More that a hundred fish activist unfurled placards in front
of the embassy condemning the illegal detention and deportation of its leaders
who were in Manado, Indonesia for a regional fisher’s conference parallel to the
on-going World Ocean Conference (WOC) and Coral Triangle Initiative (CTI)
Summit.
KM leaders lambasted the Indonesian government of Manado for its violation
of human rights and its deceitful tactic to stop the regional fishers
conference from pursuing its objective. Noli Dela Cruz, current chairperson of
Kilusang Mangingisda, said that Manado authorities grossly violated freedom of
speech, expression and right for peaceful assembly as Manado police and
intelligence officers continuously harass and intimidate through continues
photo taking of delegates. “Simula sa umpisa lagi nang nasa venue ang
mga pulis at kinukunan ng litrato at mga pangalan ng mga tumitigil sa resort at
maging ang may-ari ay tinakot nila at pinasusunod na palayasin kami sa venue” Dela
cruz lamented.
Pablo Rosales of PANGISDA, also a member of the Philippine
delegation, added that the Manado Immigration and the Police conspired to build
trumped-up charges against the Filipino activists. He further accused, Manado
immigration of deception and double-cross as the 15 activists agreed to the
invitation of the Manado immigration for a simple document verification. “Niloko
nila kami, sabi nila ay titingnan lamang nila ang aming pasaporte pero nang
makuha nila ito ay hindi na nila gustong ibalik at inaakusahan na kami ng
paglabag daw sa kanilang batas at dapat daw kaming i-deport”
But it was all a case of intimidation as Manado immigration
failed to file charges after forcing the Filipinos to board a flight back to
Jakarta.
Kilusang Mangingisda likewise, stated its stand regarding the
Manado World Ocean Conference and Coral Triangle Initiative Summit that
President Arroyo attended. KMstate that
they agree with the broad concern for climate change yet disagree with the
organizers of both WOC and CTI in its approach to solving the problem.
According to Val Vibal, SAMAMA-AMA, also among the deportees, the WOC techno-fix
approach in resolving the climate crisis is short sighted and unacceptable as
it does not consider the effect of this approach on small fishers and their
communities.
He likewise, criticized the international gathering for its
neglect to invite fisherfolk representatives to the conference. “Ang
kanilang panggigipit at hindi pagkilala sa kahalagahan ng mga maliliit na
mangingisda bilang isang pangunahing aktor sa pagresolba sa problema ng climate
change ay malinaw na patunay na hindi nila kinikilala ang karapatan ng mga
maliliit na mangingisda na siyang bumubuo ng nakararami sa mga karagatan at katubigan
ng Southeast Asia”, he said.
He cited the CTI project as an example of a techno fix
solution wherein the proponents of the projects envisions to declare 62,000
square km of ocean in the region as marine protected areas while ignoring the
social impact on small scale fishers.
The group also called for the GMA government to reconsider
the CTI project and pushed for a more people-centered approach to the problem
wherein coastal communities and small fishers are given premium in the planning
and implementation stages of adapting climate change.
The group ended the activity peacefully after serving their
statement to embassy representative.
Contact Person
Noli Dela Cruz
024330511/09184299484
