Costa Brava Fishermen Fear Livelihood Loss as Balikatan 2026 Nears

Posted on Apr. 16, 2026 at 9:14 pm

TACLOBAN CITY — In Barangay 88 Costa Brava San Jose, a sense of unease has replaced the once steady rhythm of daily life. The unsettling roar in the sky on April 5 marked the beginning of this unease, catching residents off guard.

“It was the first time we saw such a large airplane,” said Daniel Morillo, a fisherman and longtime resident of the barangay.

“Honestly, I felt nervous. You don’t know what it means, especially when no one explains it to us.”

The aircraft was later identified as a C-17, a massive military plane believed to be part of the upcoming Balikatan 2026 exercises.

The loud and unfamiliar sound of a C-17 military plane flying low overhead sparked fear and speculation among the residents. The lack of official information only deepened their concerns.

“It suddenly passed right above us. The sound was so loud it felt like something was coming,” Morillo added.

For many, especially children and the elderly, the sudden appearance of the aircraft raised alarm. Some began to wonder if there was an emergency or even a threat to their safety.

Mhervin Amor, a mechanic, shared the same concern.

“It’s really frightening because we’re not used to seeing anything like that. And the way I understand Balikatan, it’s about war,” he said.

Fishermen in the community also worry about their livelihood, fearing restricted access to their fishing grounds during the upcoming Balikatan 2026 exercises.

“We depend on that area for our daily income,” he said. “But for sure, once Balikatan starts, the coast guard will drive us away from there. That’s what we’re expecting,” Morillo told Vanguard.

For small-scale fishermen like him, even a few days of restricted access to fishing grounds could mean lost income and added hardship for their families.

Despite ongoing preparations for Balikatan 2026 in Tacloban City, information from military officials has not fully reached communities like Costa Brava.

Army Captain Christopher Tataro, Division Public Affairs Chief of the 8th Infantry Division, Philippine Army in Eastern Visayas, said in an interview that preparations for Balikatan 2026 in Tacloban City are already in full swing.

As of mid-April, logistical operations and the arrival of participating units are ongoing, with some troops already on the ground and others still in transit.

The exercises, set to open on April 20 and run until May 8, will be held in Tacloban, designated as the main site in Eastern Visayas.

Tataro emphasized that the training goes beyond combat, covering what he described as “full spectrum operations” including cybersecurity, civil-military coordination, and humanitarian assistance.

Among the key activities is a joint medical response training conducted from April 14 to 16, involving both US and Philippine Army units under Task Force Ayuda. The initiative aims to strengthen disaster preparedness and emergency response capabilities in the region.

Tataro also assured the public that disruptions would be minimal.

Military activities are confined within restricted areas of the Tacloban City Airport, with civilian flights expected to continue as scheduled. He added that residents in nearby communities would not be displaced and that police authorities are in place to manage security, traffic, and public order.

There are even plans for community outreach, including a Medical-Dental Civic Action Program in Barangay San Jose, although participation from US troops is still pending approval.

Despite these assurances, the gap between official information and community awareness remains evident in Barangay 88 Costa Brava.

“We’re not against development or any kind of activity,” Amor emphasized. “But we hope it’s explained to us first. If something this big is happening, the community deserves to know.”

“The problem is, it just happens all of a sudden,” Morillo added. “It feels like something big is coming, but we’re the last to know. If there were barangay meetings or even a simple information drive, people would understand better. We’re not against change; we just want to be prepared.”

Amor echoed the same plea.

“We just want clarity. What really is Balikatan 2026? Why is it happening here? Without explanations, it’s only natural for people to feel anxious.”

In the end, the message from the residents is clear, not opposition, but understanding.

As April 20 draws near, their call grows stronger a simple appeal to those in authority: explain, inform, and involve the community in decisions that directly affect their lives.

And each time the sky rumbles and another massive aircraft passes overhead, the people of Costa Brava continue to look up not just in reaction to the noise, but in the hope that, this time, answers will come with it. ( with report Jessieboy Novillo)

(Photos by: Jessieboy Novillo)