MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine National Police is now meeting with the captain of the Chinese boat which was intercepted Tuesday off the coast of Palawan loaded with over 500 green sea turtles.
State news wire Philippine News Agency reported that Chief Superintendent Osmondo Salibo, head of the PNP-Maritime Special Boat Unit, is now talking to boat captain Chen Hi Quan, who hails from Hainan Province, China.
Quoting a maritime personnel, authorities reportedly recovered from the Chinese boat more than 500 green sea turtles, over 200 of which are already dead.
Aside from the 11 suspected Chinese poachers last Tuesday, maritime police also nabbed five Filipino fishermen, headed by Banto Amlain, a resident of Balabac.
Reports said that Amlain's boat carried 70 live green sea turtles (pawikan), which authorities suspect will be sold to the Chinese fishermen in Hasa-Hasa Shoal, 60 nautical miles off the coast of Palawan.
The Chinese and Filipino fishermen will be brought to the PNP Western Command for physical examination before inquest at the Palawan Regional Trial Court, reports said.