On August 20, a court in Gubat, Sorsogon dismissed the recovery of possession with damages case filed by LKY Resorts and Hotels Inc. against fisherfolk in Barangay Cogon in this municipality. The complaint aimed to seize 28,473 square meters of land in said barangay. The LKY company is owned by Rep. Wilberto Lee, AGRI Party-list representative and now a member of the Aksyon Demokratiko party.

This is the KULAG group’s second victory in court. Earlier on October 13, 2020, LKY filed an unlawful detainer case accusing the local fisherfolk of illegally trespassing on land claimed by the company. The court earlier dismissed the case.

The Kulag group, an organization of fisherfolk in Gubat, said this case is just one of the ongoing struggles of local communities against the ruling class’ seizure of land and resources in their barangay.

In a statement released on the Save Gubat Bay Movement’s Facebook page, Kulag also expressed its frustration with Sorsogon second district representative Rep. Wowo Fortes whose moves ran counter to his campaign promises that he would be pro-fisherfold and pro-peasant. In a video, the congressman is seen encouraging the fisherfolk to relinquish their right to land because they allegedly have no winning chance. Fortes is a known friend of Rep. Lee.

“The court’s decision is a beacon of hope for the fishermen, affirming their rights to the land they have worked and lived on. The … victory also symbolizes the resilience and determination of the local community to stand against intimidation and aggression.”

“Despite this victory, the fisherfolk of Gubat remain vigilant against further attacks and threats, as this fight is only part of a bigger fight for the recognition of their rights” the Kulag group added.

Other groups of fisherfolk such as Cota na Dako Crablet Workers (COTAW), Sorsogon King Crab Raisers Associations Inc. (SKRA), Samanha alay sa Kalikasan Kooperatiba (SAAAKO) also continue to stand with KULAG for livelihood, human rights and the environment.