against OSEC which resulted to the rescue of 57 victims of which 48 were minors and 9 were of legal age. 11
suspects were arrested and 27 cases were filed.
When asked about trafficking incidents in the fishing communities within their areas of responsibilities, they
responded that there are still no reported incidents in such areas. Their main operations are in port areas of
Zamboanga City as it is well known to be the main transit point in and out of Malaysia. Although they did receive a
report of alleged “akyat barko” in Baradero (shipyard) here in Zamboanga City but the women are allegedly bar
workers. Accordingly, their operation failed because the alleged suspects were tipped off that there will be police
operation on the said night.
Currently PNP WCPC-MFU has no programs directly intended for women fisherfolk or any other programs
in fishing communities but they express willingness for a joint education campaign with CHR in fishing communities
as they recognize that indeed there is a high probability of trafficking case, in such areas.
Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Regional Office 9
BFAR 9 has disaggregated data of fisherfolks in the region. Per records, there are 68,000 registered women
fisherfolk in the region but BFAR 9 recognizes that there are fisherfolk that are not yet registered in Fish’R or as in
the case of fishing association in DOLE or SEC. BFAR 9 continues to provide support and services to fisherfolks in
Region 9 especially during the COVID 19 pandemic. Support and Services provided were training on seaweed
farming and value adding, shellfish culture, urban aquaculture/aquaponics, fish processing techno demo and
intervention projects such as provision of seaweeds propagules, seaweeds farm implements, fishing gear and
paraphernalia’s such as fish gear, hook and line gill nets and FRP boats.
BFAR 9 has no data on Gender Based Violence among the Fishing communities in the region but Programs
and Policies for women fisherfolk are always incorporated in the BFAR 9 GAD Plan and Budget. One of the programs
implemented was Seminar on R.A 9262 or Anti Violence against Women and their Children. It is noteworthy, that
during the said activity some participants shared that they were victim of VAW such as physical violence and infidelity
but did not report the same to Barangay or other agency concerned. BFAR 9 recognizes women fisherfolk as a
sector but as observed they are restricted to decision making considering that most of fisherfolk religion are Islam as
such as per their culture and tradition the husband decision shall always prevail.
Fisherfolk are greatly affected by the COVID 19 Pandemic because their income is dependent upon the
catch, harvest that they had for the day. According to BFAR 9, while restrictions were implemented the production of
fisherfolk on aquaculture and capture increased even during ECQ. They continued on their fishing activities
(municipal and commercial) considering that fish production is basic commodity and raw materials for canned
sardines.
Areiyne Phelle Hamac
Documenter