The main reason behind the protest is the call of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines for “communal action against this ruling regime of greed.” It is said that the fluvial protest first started in the province of Batangas where some 150 fishermen in 50 boats started it which would take them from Batangas to Cavite provinces to protest against coastal conversion and alleged repression against fishermen.
According to Haliging Batangueñong Anakdagat (Habagat) the fishermen set out from San Diego village in Lian, Batangas and will pass through Calayo and Patungan villages in Hacienda Looc, Nasugbu, Batangas. After that they will sail toward the municipalities of Maragondon, Cavite City, Ternate, Rosario, Noveleta and Bacoor in Cavite.
Isabelo Alicaya, Habagat spokesperson, informed that the group is protesting the “rampant” privatization and conversion of coastal communities in Batangas and Rizal provinces for eco-tourism, industrial and commercial projects. It is said that Habagat against the intrusion of commercial fishing vessels into the municipal waters of Batangas and Cavite.
Alicaya also said that the two-day “fluvial protest” will turn into a weeklong action organized by Pamalakaya from February 19 to 25.
