RP urged to free122 Sino fishers

The People’s Republic of China (PROC) is seeking the release of 122 Chinese fishermen detained in Palawan for illegal entry and fishing, in time for the visit here of the second highest Chinese official in mid-September, Foreign Affairs Secretary Blas Ople said yesterday.

Ople said Chinese Ambassador Wang Chungui informed him about the forthcoming official visit of Li Peng, chairman of China’s National People’s Congress, from Sept. 12 to 15, upon the invitation of House Speaker Jose de Venecia.

Li is attending the first Philippine-China inter-parliamentary meeting. He is also expected to meet with Senate President Franklin Drilon.

Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Tony Rodriguez said they wrote the Department of Justice to see what could be done about the PROC’s request.

Rodriguez said the Chinese fishermen were willing to plead guilty to illegal entry and fishing and leave behind their six boats worth up to P8 million to cover the fines for their violations.

By pleading guilty, he said the detained fishermen will face less grave punishment.

But he said the captains of the fishing vessels will not be freed along with their crew members because they should bear responsibility for their illegal activities.

A week after Li’s visit, a Chinese delegation, headed by Defense Minister Chi Haotian, will be in Manila to discuss defense and security issues with their Philippine counterparts.

Wang said Wen Jiabao, State Council vice premier, is also slated to visit the Philippines.