Chinese Fishermen Reached Cagayancillo

Puerto Princesa City, Palawan - Repeatedly, another group of Chinese fishermen were apprehended in the vicinity of Cagayancillo, Palawan, some 155 nautical miles east of this City. The twenty-one crew and members fishing vessel were Chinese nationals from Kuang Tong, China.

On the first sighting of the poachers, Cagayancillo Mayor Joel Carceller called for a joint monitoring team composed of Kabang Kalikasan ng Pilipinas, Philippine National Police, Philippine Coast Guard and the Special Warfare Action Group of the Philippine Navy.

Seized from the fishermen were galloons of sodium cyanide used in the fishing operation, assorted fish, and other fishing paraphernalia. Personal identification cards and certificates proved that the vessel was of Chinese registry but no legal documents could proved on their entry into the Philippine terretory.

Meanwhile, the people of Cagayancillo was greatly affected by the illegal fishing operation which caused damaged to the seaweeds plantation in the area.

The Palawan Council for Sustainable Development has filed the case against the Chinese poachers for violating Section 86 (Fishing without pertinent documents), Section 87 (Poaching, Republic Act 8550), Section 88 (Use of poisonous substances).

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