The United States said Thursday the multi-billion “illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing and destruction of the rich marine ecosystem in the West Philippine Sea is a cause of concern for both the United States and the Philippines.” During the virtual Earth Day round table, US Embassy Chargé d’Affaires John Law stressed that the IUU activities in the country’s waters, including in the West Philippine Sea, was the biggest threat to the environment and livelihood of Filipino fishermen. The embassy official said this was the reason why the US government through the United States Agency for International Development supports a variety of programs to strengthen Philippine environmental sustainability, climate resilience, sustainable management of natural resources, and combat environmental crimes.

Requejo, R. E. (2021, April 23). 'Illegal fishing in WPS a cause of concern'. Manila Standard, pp. A1, A2.