Solon urges action vs Indon poaching

Foreign Affairs Secretary Blas Ople should take immediate steps to resolve the recurrent problem between the Philippines and Indonesia over poaching in our respective fishing grounds that continues to strain our diplomatic ties, Sen. Aquilino Pimentel said yesterday.

"Secretary Ople should immediately discuss with his Indonesian counterpart measures that would prevent poaching by Indonesian fishermen on our seas and by our fishermen on Indonesian waters," he said.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Pimentel suggested, should discuss with Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Hassan Wirajuda ways to prevent poaching and illegal intrusions in both countries’ maritime waters, including cooperative efforts in border patrols.