A correct move
THE Filipino people, particularly our fishermen, support the apprehension of four Vietnamese for “illegal fishing” near Pag-asa (Thitu) Island in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
We believe that the arrest of the Vietnamese fishermen, who were caught using sodium cyanide in their fishing activities, showed our determination to protect our fishing grounds.
Pag-asa Island is the largest of the Philippine-administered islands in the Kalayaan Island Group or Spratly Islands. It is located 230 nautical miles from the province of Palawan.
A military contigent stationed on the island protects local residents from illegal fishermen and other hostile elements.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said the Vietnamese fishermen were nabbed last September 18 for violating the landmark Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998.
Reports said that joint forces of the PCG, Philippine Navy and Philippine Nationl Police Maritime Group were patrolling the area when they chanced upon the Vietnamese fishermen.
The suspects were aboard their fishing vessel locally known as “sampan,” a small boat equipped with a compressor and an oar at the stern, commonly used in East Asia.
The PCG said the foreign fishermen were informed that they violated Sections 91 and 92 of Republic Act (RA) No. 10654 or the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998.
The code bans poaching in Philippine waters and prohibits the use of explosives, noxious or poisonous substances and electricity in catching fish in the country.
The arrest of the four Vietnamese, in the view of many quarters, is a correct move of the PCG, PN and the PNP considering the dwindling catch of our own fishermen.
