According to a report on GMA News TV’s “Balitanghali,” the Chinese fishermen face charges for violation of Philippine environmental laws.
It added that authorities are waiting for the arrival of the fishermen’s vessel loaded with several hundred turtles, most of them dead, and believed to have been captured in Philippine territory.
Several species of sea turtles are protected under Philippine laws.
The 11 suspects are being detained at the Palawan Provincial Police compound, the report said, adding that the crew members are in good physical condition.
Last Thursday evening, a Chinese consul visited the suspects to check their condition.
Meanwhile, in a statement issued on Thursday, Chinese Embassy spokesman Zhang Hua protested the arrest of the fishermen, and called it a “provocative act” meant to raise tensions in the South China Sea, portions of which are being claimed by Manila as part the West Philippine Sea.
He insisted the fishermen were fishing in Chinese territory.
“China has indisputable sovereignty over Nansha Islands and their adjacent waters, including the Banyue Reef,” he said, referring to China’s name for the Philippine-claimed Half Moon (Hasa-Hasa) Shoal.
On the other hand, Presidential Communications Operations Office head Herminio Coloma Jr. stressed that the incident was not meant to provoke China.
He said the seizure and arrest were “in accordance with [police] duty to enforce environment protection and wildlife conservation laws while upholding Philippine sovereign rights over our Exclusive Economic Zone.” — Amanda Fernandez /LBG, GMA News
