NEWS AND FEATURES

A decade after a historic ruling, Philippine fishermen say driven away from the disputed shoal by China -Reuters

A 2016 tribunal ruled that China's fishing restrictions at Scarborough Shoal were unlawful
Local fishermen say they have been harassed by Chinese vessels near the shoal
Tribunal decision helped Philippines gain international support

Chinese Coast Guard Vessels Sighted in the West Philippine Sea

Chinese Coast Guard Vessels Sighted in the West Philippine Sea Date: July 2026 Two China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels were recently documented operating in the West Philippine Sea during a monitoring activity. The vessels were observed navigating within the area while Philippine civilian observers continued to document maritime developments. These sightings underscore the continuing importance of independent maritime monitoring, accurate documentation, and the protection of the rights and welfare of Filipino fisherfolk who rely on the West Philippine Sea for their livelihood. Organizations working with coastal communities continue to encourage peaceful observation, proper documentation, and adherence to international law while […]

Aid and comfort to the enemy

After the Philippines filed the landmark arbitration case against China on Jan. 22, 2013, China’s propagandists went overdrive on a public relations campaign, raising two issues to discredit the arbitration. First, the Philippines brought the case before the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA), which is not a court. Second, any arbitration case against China could not proceed without the consent of China. Both the Philippines and China have ratified the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (Unclos) and are bound by its provisions.

From Leaning to Action: Community Paralegal Training Conclusion

From Learning to Action: Community Paralegal Training Conclusion A meaningful day of learning, reflection, and solidarity as we concluded the Community Paralegal Training and Post-Training Program at the University of the Philippines Diliman facilitated by the UP Institute of Human Rights and Peoples Development Institute. Participants from different sectors — farmers, Indigenous Peoples (IPs), fisherfolk, women, and community advocates — came together to deepen their understanding of human rights and access to justice, while sharing the realities and struggles faced by their communities. The training may have ended, but the work continues as our community paralegals bring what they learned […]

Training on the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA) @ Sitio Kinaragan, Brgy. Duale, Limay, Bataan

Empowering Indigenous Communities through Knowledge and Unity On April 18, 2026, community members from different tribal communities in Bataan gathered at Sitio Kinaragan, Brgy. Duale, Limay, Bataan for a meaningful Training on the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA) facilitated by the UP Institute of Human Rights and Peoples Development Institute. The session strengthened awareness on indigenous rights, ancestral domain, and the importance of collective action in protecting cultural heritage. Participants actively engaged in discussions and proudly received their certificates of attendance—marking not just the end of a training, but the beginning of stronger advocacy. This initiative reflects the power of […]

PDI – OIO Planning & Assessment

Strengthening collaboration and shared vision Earlier today, our team gathered for an Outcome and Impact Orientation: Assessment & Planning session. The discussion brought together diverse insights, experiences, and perspectives as we worked collectively to evaluate our current initiatives and map out strategic directions moving forward. Through open dialogue and thoughtful reflection, we reaffirmed our commitment to creating meaningful, community-driven impact. Every voice in the room contributed to shaping more responsive and inclusive programs for the communities we serve. This session is a reminder that real change begins with collaboration, careful planning, and a shared purpose. #AssessmentAndPlanning#CommunityDevelopment#CollectiveAction#ImpactDriven

Luzon Fishers Step Up as Frontline Defenders of the West Philippine Sea

Luzon Fishers Step Up as Frontline Defenders of the West Philippine Sea In the coastal communities of Luzon, fisherfolk are taking on a role that goes far beyond livelihood—they are becoming frontline defenders of the West Philippine Sea. From sunrise to nightfall, local fishers brave uncertain waters not only to provide for their families but also to safeguard the country’s maritime domain. In areas like Zambales, their daily routines now include heightened awareness of territorial challenges, as they continue to navigate waters that have long sustained their communities. Many of these fishers have volunteered to support coastal monitoring initiatives, working […]

Mount Pantingan, Bataan

� PUBLIC STATEMENT � Several Aeta communities in Mount Pantingan, Bataan have united to express their collective concern over ongoing and proposed activities within their Ancestral Lands. For generations, these lands have sustained their way of life and remain deeply rooted in their cultural identity and traditions. The communities report that activities such as mining and exploration pose serious risks to the environment, including deforestation, soil instability, and threats to local biodiversity—placing both nature and livelihoods in danger. ⚠️ The united Aeta communities emphasize:All projects must strictly adhere to existing laws, especially the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act (IPRA), and must […]

Consultation on the Proposed Magna Carta for Fisherfolk

Consultation on the Proposed Magna Carta for Fisherfolk Stakeholders convened today at the Ambion Room, UP College of Law in UP Diliman, Quezon City, for a meaningful dialogue on the proposed Magna Carta for Fisherfolk. Led by the Peoples Development Institute and the UP Institute for Maritime Affairs and Law of the Sea (IMLOS), the consultation gathered experts, community leaders, and policymakers to exchange insights and recommendations on advancing the rights and welfare of fisherfolk across the country. The discussion highlighted the importance of grounding the proposed measure in the real experiences of coastal communities. By shaping policies that reflect […]

FPIC

Recent Changes in FPIC in the Philippines Recent discussions have highlighted possible changes in the implementation of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) in the Philippines. The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples is reviewing current guidelines to improve how consultations with Indigenous communities are conducted for projects that may affect their ancestral domains. Many Indigenous leaders and advocacy groups are calling for stronger transparency and meaningful participation during this process. They stress that any revisions must continue to uphold the protections provided under the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act of 1997, which recognizes the rights of Indigenous Peoples to decide on […]

Inquirer Report – PH fishers on Chinese bullying: ‘Babawiin ko’

Inquirer Report – PH fishers on Chinese bullying: ‘Babawiin ko’ The Philippine Daily Inquirer released an article discussing the impact of the maritime dispute between the Philippines and China in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) on local Filipino fisherfolk. Delfin Egana, chief among them, faced the brunt of Chinese Aggression. In 2017, Delfin Egana had his fishing equipment confiscated in a violent altercation between him and Chinese militia, leading to his severe trauma and subsequent strokes. Not only that, Fishermen report being forced to walk barefoot on coral reefs, causing injuries. Delfin is not the only one who has experienced […]

House Will Probe Alleged Human Rights Violations of Filipino Fishermen

HOUSE WILL PROBE ALLEGED VIOLATION OF FISHERMEN RIGHTS The Manila Times reported that the House shall begin a probe to look into the alleged violation of Human Rights by Chinese entities, specifically the Chinese Militia and the Navy around our territorial waters. As stated by Bigkis fishermen in a letter to Manila 6th District Representative Bienvenido Abante Jr.: “As there is much public discussion about Chinese incursion into the West Philippine Sea…, we in the Peoples Development Institute and the Bigkis ng Mangingisda Federation would like to draw your attention and that of the Committee on Human Rights… to another […]

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NEWS AND FEATURES

China’s Violation of the Right to Adequate Food in the West philippine sea

Philippine Aetas Have highest level of Denisovan ancestry in the world

FIGHT FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY!

Editorials – Are Chinese Interests Probing our Waters?

ABS-CBN REPORTS ON THE ISSUE OF PHILIPPINE BASELINES

CHINESE INCURSIONS ON THE WEST PHILIPPINE SEA IMPACT ON THE FILIPINO FISHERFOLK LIVES AND WELFARE

DW Germany sheds light on the plight of Filipino fishermen

Chinese Coast Guard blocks Filipino fishermen at Scarborough Shoal

A Critique on the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)

NMGL, PASAMAKA-L, BUKAL Hold Consolidation Meetings

Aytas Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration in Olongapo City (october 15, 2015)

Rebuiliding the Lives of the Tagbanuas

INDIGENOUS PEOPLE, FARMERS, AND FISHERMAN AND ISSUES ON DAMAGES TO THEIR RIGHT TO ADEQUATE FOOD

Disaster Risk Reduction in Barangay Lower San Juan, Botolan, Zambales

Surviving Agriculture in the Face of climate change

Reclaiming Ancestral Domains in Bataan