Members of farmers and fisherfolks groups, together with the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP), have asked the Supreme Court (SC) to direct the government to enforce laws protecting the country’s territories in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). In a petition for the issuance of Writ of Kalikasan, the Kalayaan Palawan Farmers, Fisherfolk Association, and the IBP said the government has refused to take legal action against violations of environmental laws committed specifically by Chinese at the Panatag Shoal (Scarborough Shoal), Ayungin Shoal (Second Thomas Shoal) and Panganiban Reef (Mischief Reef). Respondents in the case are Environment Secretary Roy A. Cimatu, Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel F. Piñol, Philippine Coast Guard Admiral Elson E. Hermogino, Philippine Navy Flag Officer-in-Command Robert A. Empredrad, and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources National Director Eduardo B. Gongona, among others.

Villegas, V. M. M. (2019, April 17). IBP, fisherfolk groups ask high court to order gov't to enforce laws protecting West Philippine Sea. BusinessWorld, p. S1/12.