Don’t release Chinese poachers, group tells government

A group of scuba divers and environmental lawyers, who call themselves the "Tubbataha Defense Team," is "vigorously" opposing the release of 122 detained Chinese poachers, even threatening to raise the issue to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

The Chinese fishermen were caught poaching in the waters of the Tubbataha Reef National Marine Park which the UNESCO has declared a World Heritage Site.

"The Tubbataha Reef National Marine Park occupies a special place in the hearts of all scuba divers both here and around the world," Antonio Oposa Jr., the group’s spokesman, said in a letter, a copy of which was furnished The STAR.

"In this relatively small dive site is a genuine crown jewel of the Philippine seas (where) one may find more kinds of corals and fish than in the entire Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the Caribbean Sea altogether," Oposa added.

The group also warned Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) officials pushing for the Chinese fishermen’s release that they may be held liable for obstruction of justice, violations of the Fisheries Code and grave abuse of authority, among other offenses.

These officials, it added, may also be held responsible for graft for "manifesting partiality resulting in loss to the national and natural patrimony."

Various non-government groups have enlisted the support of legislators to stop the Arroyo administration from releasing the Chinese fishermen as a gesture of "diplomatic goodwill" in time for the visit of Chinese Premier Li Peng this week.

"Let our priceless natural heritage not become a sacrifice...," Oposa said.

The 122 Chinese fishermen were among 136 arrested between January and May this year. Fourteen of them, all minors, were subsequently released.