‘Rescued Chinese had no intention of fishing’

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG)-Tacloban sub-station believes that the Chinese fishing vessel found drifting in the waters off Suluan Island in Guiuan, Eastern Samar was damaged due to the bad weather.

PCG-Tacloban substation commander Ricky Soniega said initial investigation showed that the seven Chinese fishermen rescued from FV KAI DA 889 on Friday had no intention of fishing in Philippine waters.

“Base sa initial interview natin, wala silang intention na pumasok sa Pilipinas kasi ang representative na mismo ang tumawag sa central command ng PCG. Napadpad lang sila dahil sa sama ng panahon at hindi na-control ang barko,” Soniega said.

“Based on our initial information, nasira ang radar nila, naputol... Sabi they came from Fujian, China bound for Hong Kong para mag refuel. Sinubukang ayusin ng mga crew, pero napadpad sila sa Suluan Island,” he added.

An inquiry into the presence of the Chinese boat in Philippine waters is ongoing.

Soniega said inspection of the fishing vessel by PCG personnel and representatives from the Bureau of Immigration and Bureau of Customs has yet to be completed.

He said the Chinese fishermen are awaiting clearance from the PCG main office on when they can leave the country.

“But so far wala namang violation... accident lang talaga,” Soniega said.

Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian had earlier expressed his ”sincere gratitude and deep appreciation” to PCG Commandant Admiral Artemio Abu and PCG personnel for their ”immediate response and humanitarian efforts” to rescue the seven Chinese fishermen.