Filipino fishermen have spoken against the militarization of the West Philippine Sea (WPS), particularly the frequent joint military exercises conducted in areas they consider traditional fishing grounds, dealing a heavy toll on their livelihood. Pablo Rosales, Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Mangingisda (Pangisda-Pilipinas) national chairman, said their group is against any foreign military activities in the WPS because it only makes neighboring countries "more aggressive" and the area "more dangerous" for Filipino fishermen.

Baroña, F. J. C. (2024, June 2). Fishers' group hits WPS militarization. The Manila Times, p. A3.