6 Chinese poachers fined $200,000

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya ,Philippines  – Six Chinese fishermen who were found guilty of poaching in Philippine waters in 2009 were ordered to pay a fine of $200,000.

Authorities identified the Chinese fishermen as Tai Lin Ming Shen, Chern Wer Her, Lin Ming Yueh, Chi Li Phen Khon, Li Pen Que and Li Kho Kon, who were arrested along the Calayan group of islands in Cagayan.

They were found guilty of violating the Fishery Law or Republic Act 8550, particularly Section 87.

“This is another breakthrough in our fight against poaching. We hope that such development would serve as warning to other foreign nationals that we mean business in implementing our fishery laws,” Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) director Asis Peres said.

The foreigners were aboard fishing vessel Ching Hong Cherng 22 - CT4-2006, when apprehended by joint operatives of the BFAR and Coast Guard.