For this fishing community in Masinloc, the South China Sea dispute is more than just about territorial rights

Residents in Masinloc speak to SBS International Correspondent Claudia Farhart and share how their lives have been unpended by the rising tensions in the South China Sea.

SBS International Correspondent Claudia Farhart spoke with residents in Masinloc and reports on how the territorial dispute in the South China Sea has greatly affected their livelihood and their constant fear for their safety. Credit: SBS News

Key Points

• The families in Masinloc rely on fishing for their livelihood.
• As Chinese vessels continue to patrol Scarborough Shoal, many fishermen are unable to fish in deeper areas.
• They no longer use fishing trawels but use bancas to fish. Bigger boats attract attention and are more vulnerable to harrasment.
• They are lucky to earn $100Aus in a month.
• The locals will continue to fish; giving up fishing in Scarborough Shoal is like giving up their rights to the territory.

LISTEN TO

For this fishing community in Masinloc, the South China Sea dispute is more than just about territorial rights

SBS Filipino

08:54Filipino

I was sprayed with water [cannon] when I was the captain of a big boat. They had a metal ship. We only had boats made with wood. I was really afraid because they almost collided with us.

Miguel P Betana, Masinloc fisherman on an encounter with Chinese vessel

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