Chinese embassy holds own probe of poachers’ case

ZAMBOANGA CITY – The Chinese embassy sent representatives here to collect information on the circumstances surrounding the arrest of 45 of its nationals accused of poaching by the Philippine Navy last week.

Naval Forces Western Mindanao Combined (NAVFORWMCOM) chief Rear Admiral Emilio Marayag said Chinese Embassy First Secretary Wang Jun and Chinese police attaché Superintendent Liu Lujun arrived here Friday to conduct their own inquiry into the case.

Marayag said the two Chinese officials are currently coordinating their efforts with the concerned government agencies involved in the investigation and prosecution of the arrested Chinese fishermen.

Among the government agencies involved in the case are the Bureau of Fishery and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Bureau of Immigration (BI), quarantine units, intelligence units of the Philippine National Police (PNP), Navy, and its Special Warfare Action Group (SWAG).

Marayag said the Chinese officials will also check out the health and physical condition of the arrested fishermen.

The Navy intercepted the 45 Chinese fishermen on board three boats after they were spotted fishing between Basilan and Sta. Cruz Island off Zamboanga City on March 17.

Authorities said the Chinese fishermen are facing US$100,000 penalty for illegal fishing.

The fishermen can also face charges of violation of immigration laws since some of them were carrying expired passports.

Marayag said the Chinese fishermen and their boats were held at the Majini Wharf of the naval command here pending the investigation of their case.

The two embassy officials, for their part, declined to make any statements, saying they have yet to conclude their inquiry.

The Navy also declined to give further information on the issue awaiting results of the final investigation.