For centuries, fisherfolk from the sleepy town of Masinloc, Zambales in the northern part of the Philippines have considered the Scarborough Shoal not only as their traditional fishing grounds but also their shelter from stormy seas. But after losing access to their main source of livelihood due to Chinese intrusion in the West Philippine Sea, the Masinloc fisherfolk now face turbulent waters. Some continue to fish in nearby coastal waters for their own survival while others hold on to hope that one day they will once again be able to fish at the shoal and regain their sense of security.

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Allan Lazaro

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