MANILA – Malacañang said the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) should validate a reported destruction of reef ecosystems in Panatag or Scarborough Shoal and Spratly Islands.
Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said BFAR is set to conduct a study on the said damage, which is due to China’s reclamation and illegal fishing activities.
“I think this is under Department of Agriculture, kasi iyong Fisheries sa kanya – they should conduct a study on that, to validate that particular finding of one particular group,” Panelo said.
“We will have to make our own study. The specific department concerned with that should conduct an inquiry on that matter and then the government will undertake measures,” he added.
According to the University of the Philippines’ Marine Science Institute, the Philippines loses about P33.1-billion every year due to the damaged coral reefs in the disputed area of the West Philippine Sea.
When asked if the government was alarmed by the findings, Panelo said the Philippine government will undertake measures based on its own investigation.
“We will always be concerned if it affects the security of the state and it affects the general welfare of the people,” Panelo said.
He added the Philippine Coast Guard should also enforce the country laws to prevent poaching activities within the country’s exclusive economic zone./PN
