Some 10,000 fishermen and fish port workers from the cities of Navotas and Malabon in Metro Manila have benefited from the Chinese government’s lifting of its blockade at the South China Sea (West Philippine Sea), according to a labor federation. Tolentino said the 10,000 fishermen and fish workers belong to the ALU. He explained that workers in the fishing industry must also be empowered, acquire basic social protection and must secure decent working conditions. Since 2012, Tolentino said, Chinese ships have seized control of contested areas in the South China Sea. “During the blockade, our fishermen have no other choice but to fish in some other parts of the open sea, catching fewer fishes.

Source: Manila Times November 14, 2016 10:11 UTC