The group of Filipino fishermen who were abandoned and left floating in the West Philippine Sea after a Chinese vessel hit their boat has only two requests to President Duterte – for the government to hold the perpetrators liable and for them to be given exclusive rights to fish in Recto Bank area. The 22 fishermen’s vessel, F/B Gem-Ver 1, suffered major damage after being hit by a Chinese vessel, causing it to sink and leaving all of them floating in the middle of the sea for about six hours before being rescued by the crew of a Vietnamese vessel. Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol assured the fishermen he will make sure their appeal will reach President Duterte.

Miraflor, M. B. (2019, June 20). 22 rescued Mindoro fishermen seek exclusive rights to fish in Recto Bank. Manila Bulletin, p. 5.