8 Chinese poachers nabbed in Palawan

Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) personnel in Palawan have apprehended eight Chinese fishermen aboard an unregistered Chinese vessel that was found poaching protected species of marine life off the island’s southernmost tip yesterday.

The MCS-3002, under the command of the joint Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and the PCG personnel led by Capt. George Ursabia, arrived at the Puerto Princesa port at 8 a.m. yesterday with the Chinese fishing boat’s catch of three six-foot whales — all still alive — and 26 preserved green turtles.

Philippine authorities said the 300-ton, 30-meter Chinese vessel was spotted 33 nautical miles southeast of Balabac town’s Mangsee island on June l7.

After a brief chase, the Chinese fishing boat was apprehended by the law enforcers as it attempted to escape toward Malaysian waters.

"We were forced to board (the Chinese boat) during the chase by employing commando tactics after it refused to stop despite several warning shots (from us)," Ursabia said. "When we were able to board the vessel, it was less than a mile from the Malaysian border."

Two of the suspected Chinese poachers "were hiding in the pilot room and the rest were in the machine room," he added. "We had to control the boat ourselves because they could not speak either Filipino or English."

Provincial Fisheries Officer Paciano Gianan said the suspected poachers will be charged with violating provisions of the Philippine Wildlife Act, or Republic Act 9147, and RA 8550, also known as the Philippine Fisheries Code of l998.

Militaru Western Command (Wescom) chief Vice Adm. Ruben Danga arrived at the Palawan port and said inquest proceedings would immediately follow.

"We want to assure the public that necessary charges shall be (filed) but the rights of those apprehended shall likewise be protected," Danga said.

The interdiction of the suspected poachers took place three day before the Pista y ang Kageban (feast of nature), a yearly celebration in Puerto Princesa City where environmentally related activities are conducted, including massive tree-planting drives.

Palawan Council For Sustainable Development (PCSD) director Romeo Durado said the is doing its best to protect the province’s marine resources by closely coordinating with concerned government agencies.

It was in coordination with PCSD chairman and Palawan Rep. Abraham Mitra and the PCG that the capture of the Chinese poachers was made possible.