Jump Buddy Bandits
Pirates have been victimizing small-scale fishermen in Sarangani Bay in Southern Mindanao, Philippines prompting officials to organize a joint seaborne defense system that will allow arming of fisherfolk.
Governor Miguel Rene A. Dominguez issued at the weekend an order to form the maritime force due to renewed threat by “Ambak Pare” sea bandits.
The phrase literally means “jump, buddy” as ordered by pirates before seizing fishing boats.
“The defense force will be composed of volunteer fishermen,” said Mr. Dominguez, adding the fishermen should first obtain gun licenses and permits.
On Thursday, Mr. Dominguez convened a meeting attended by representatives of the Philippine Coast Guard, police and army officials, and fishermen from the Sarangani towns of Maasim, Kiamba and Maitum (MaKiMa) to discuss the threat.
This after four fishermen from Lomuyon, Kiamba went missing less than two weeks ago.
Their boat was found drifting in the high seas off Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat the following day with “blood stains and pieces of body tissues all over scattered at the fishing boat deck.”
The provincial government has vowed to equip the local Coast Guard with radios to strengthen the fight against sea piracy.
Mr. Dominguez said a distress channel will be set up for quick response to reports that will be passed on to military units. Organization and training of the seaborne defense force has now begun.
Many fishermen have earlier complained of being defenseless against pirates. Ambak Pare groups had been rampant in the early 1970s across Sarangani Bay.
Source: Shiptalk