4 Taiwanese poachers settle P1.14-million fine

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines – Four Taiwanese have been slapped a $25,000 fine as compromise settlement in connection with poaching and illegal fishing charges filed against them by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR). 

The Tuguegarao City-based BFAR regional office said the four Taiwanese – Liou Rong Tsair, Guu Ming Jong, Huang Ping Ho and Lee Ren – have settled their fine, roughly amounting to P1.14 million, leading to the dropping of the charges against them.

Dr. Gil Adora, officer-in-charge of the BFAR central office, said the Coast Guard apprehended the Taiwanese nationals for illegally entering Philippine waters and for fishing using illegal gear off the Babuyan Channel in the island town of Calayan in Cagayan last Sept. 20.

The foreigners, who were aboard the vessel TFV Qing Xing BK 6705, paid the amount as settlement of the administrative case lodged against them before the BFAR regional office led by Dr. Jovita Ayson.

Earlier, the Taiwanese said they were merely seeking refuge from the bad weather when they were apprehended, as supported by a certification from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.

The fishermen also said their fishing equipment is more suited for deeper waters and not at the place of their apprehension.

“The administrative fine is lower than the minimum as prescribed by law, “(but we just accepted it as) the foreigners do not have the capacity to pay a larger amount (after we) learned that (their) fine was secured through a loan in their home country,” BFAR said. – Charlie Lagasca