PCG, PN arrest 7 Taiwanese poachers

Combined operations by the Philippine Coast Guard and the Philippine Navy have resulted in the arrest of seven Taiwanese fishermen poaching on Philippine waters in Batanes and Cagayan over the weekend. The arrest came as the government intensifies its campaign against poaching on the country’s northern sea as tuna fishes from the North Pacific Ocean make their annual migration to Palawan’s waters.

PCG spokesman Lt. Armand Balilo identified the fishing boats used by the Taiwanese as F/B CT3-3995 and F/B Teresita.

F/B Teresita, intercepted 22 nautical miles northeast of Escarpada Point, Santa Ana, Cagayan, is actually a Philippine ship owned by Lailai Fishing Corp. based in Calaca, Olongapo but it was found to be unregistered and with no fishing license. Two of its seven crewmen were also found to be Taiwanese, whom they described as "fishing consultants" but they could not show any work permit. On the other hand, PCG’s newly-commissioned BRP Pampanga apprehended F/B CT3-3995 some 6.5 nautical miles west of Amianan Island, Batanes. The boat had five Taiwanese crewmen.

All seven Taiwanese, and the five other Filipino fishermen, were taken early yesterday to Cagayan to be detained and charged with illegal fishing.

The seven Taiwanese join some 30 other Taiwanese jailed last year in Cagayan, too, for illegal fishing during the same poaching season.

PCG Commandant Vice-Admiral Reuben Lista and Navy Flag Officer in command Vice-Admiral Ernesto De Leon have agreed to pool their limited fleet to prevent poaching. – Jose Aravilla<