Fishermen fear livelihood loss due to massive US-Philippine military exercise

In this photo taken in April 2019, Filipino and American troops storm a beach facing the West Philippine Sea in Zambales province during amphibious exercises as part of that year’s 'Balikatan' military exercise. - PDI

SAN ANTONIO, Zambales (Philippine Daily Inquirer/Asia News Network): During the peak fishing season between February and May, residents in the coastal villages of this Zambales town would enjoy a bountiful catch of fish, squid, and other seafood.

But on Monday (April 10), they expressed fear that their catch might dwindle drastically because of the biggest war games between the Philippines and the United States that will begin today (April 11) as a large portion of the town’s usual fishing ground would be a “no-sail zone” on some days of the 18-day exercise.