Hundreds of fisherfolk, their supporters, and environmental advocates marched together along España Boulevard towards Mendiola in Manila on May 30, a day before the National Fisherfolk Day. They demanded defense of fisherfolk rights, resistance against reclamation, and the reversal of the Supreme Court ruling regarding the 15-kilometer municipal waters.

In December 2024, the Supreme Court issued a ruling allowing large companies and businesses to fish in municipal waters (the sea area within 15 kilometers from the shore). Fisherfolk have long opposed this because it would harm the livelihood of about 2 million small-scale fishers.

They said small-scale fishers who use traditional and manual fishing methods cannot compete with the advanced, and often destructive, equipment and technology of commercial fishers. Large fishing vessels with advanced equipment quickly deplete all types of marine resources.

Among those who joined the march were the Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) and its chapters from the provinces. The Katipunan ng mga Kilusan ng mga Artisanong Mangingisda sa Pilipinas (KKAMPI), Pambansang Katipunan ng mga Samahan sa Kanayunan (PKSK), Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Mangingisda (PANGISDA), Samahan ng mga Maliliit na Mangingisda Aniban ng Manggagawa sa Agrikultura (SAMAMA-AMA), Pambansang Kilusan ng mga Samahang Magsasaka at Mangingisda (PAMANGKA-PAKISAMA), Philippine Alliance of Tuna Handliners for Sustainability (PATHS), Tanon Strait Fisherfolks Alliance, and Visayan Sea Fisherfolk Alliance also attended.

“Various federations and associations of small-scale fisherfolk have united anew for the collective goal of upholding the right to the fifteen-kilometer municipal fishing grounds. President Marcos still remains silent to our firm opposition to this Supreme Court decision in favor of commercial fishing,” Pamalakaya secretary general Salvador France said.

The fisherfolk leader added, “When small-scale fishers disappear, will we rely on imports? We oppose this. The government must be held accountable. We will fight to restore the fifteen kilometers for small-scale fishers.”

Environmental groups such as Oceana, Greenpeace Philippines, and Save Verde Island also joined their action. They condemned the government and large private businesses projects destructive to the country’s marine biodiversity.

Facing the peaceful march-protest is an array of barbed wire and police blocking them from reaching the Mendiola Peace Arch.