Philippines signs fishing agreement with Taiwan
MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines and Taiwan recently signed the Agreement Concerning the Facilitation of Cooperation on Law Enforcement in Fisheries which seeks to reduce the fisheries disputes between the two countries.
The two countries have overlapping exclusive economic zones (EEZs) in the West Philippine Sea. The pact seeks to protect the rights and interests of Taiwanese fishermen operating legally.
Antonio Basilio of the Manila Economic and Cultural Office in Taiwan and Gary Song-huann of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines signed the agreement last November 5.
This agreement follows the incident involving a patrol boat of the Philippine Coast Guard and a Taiwan fishing boat which led to the death of a Taiwanese fisherman. The said incident occurred in the high seas within the EEZs of the two countries.
The pact is meant to prevent such incidents and also calls for the implementation of a one-hour advance notification party and the release of detained vessels and crew within three days, according to a report.
A one-hour advance notification will be given to fisheries and coast guard agencies before law enforcement action is taken against a fishing vessel from the other party believed to be operating illegally.
If found guilty, the vessel will have to be released within three days after posting bond or payment.
Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeuo said that the agreement upholds the spirit and principles of the South China Sea Initiative. The said initiative calls for shelving disputes, pursuing peace and reciprocity.
The two countries agreed to hold consultations between their respective Foreign Affairs offices, Fisheries agencies and Coast Guards. - Patricia Lourdes Viray
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