Negros Oriental: Multi-sectoral groups in Negros Oriental are pushing for the return of the 15-kilometer municipal waters to the fisherfolk amid growing concern over commercial fishing being allowed within the coastal waters. Gary Rosales, president and co-founder of the environmental advocacy group Kahugpungan para sa Kinabuhi ug Kinaiyahan, Inc. (Kinaiyahan), said their concern now is the potential negative impacts on fishing communities and their livelihood if a Supreme Court ruling prevails.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Supreme Court ruling, which affirmed the Malabon RTC's decision, has allowed commercial fishers inside the municipal waters. This decision was in response to a case filed by Mercidar Fishing Corporation against the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), questioning the constitutionality of the exclusivity or preferential rights of small fisherfolks in municipal waters.

Rosales highlighted that the Malabon RTC favored Mercidar, and unfortunately, the Supreme Court also ruled in its favor based on technicality as the DA and BFAR did not timely file their motion for reconsideration. With this ruling, commercial fishers are now permitted to fish within municipal waters, provided it is seven fathoms or deeper.

Oceana, an international organization focused on protecting and restoring the world's oceans, has filed a motion for intervention with the high court. They are calling for the reversal of its decision and urging the government to protect the constitutionally prescribed preferential right of municipal fisherfolk to municipal waters and the jurisdiction granted to coastal LGUs to manage and protect these waters.

Over the weekend, an inter-faith prayer event was held, joined by religious groups, environmental advocates, the youth, fisherfolk, non-government organizations, and other stakeholders. They rallied for the halting of the SC decision and for the success of Oceana's motion for intervention, Rosales mentioned.