President Rodrigo Duterte shakes hands with Vietnamese President Tran Dai Quang at the Presidential State Palace in Hanoi on Thursday. Duterte is in Vietnam for a 2-day official visit to discuss bilateral matters and strengthen ties with the socialist republic. (MNS photo)
MANILA (Mabuhay) — Fresh from a two-day official visit in Vietnam, President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday directed the Department of Justice (DOJ) to expedite the release of all Vietnamese fishermen caught poaching in Philippine waters last year.
No timetable has been set for the release although the President reportedly wanted it soon and at government’s expense, according to Justice Undersecretary Erickson Balmes.
Balmes added the Vietnamese vessels used in the illegal fishing activities which were seized by Philippine authorities will also be returned to Vietnam.
President Rodrigo Duterte and Vietnamese President Tran Dai Quang bend over to show respect during a ceremony at the State Palace in Hanoi on September 29. (MNS photo)
It was not immediately clear why the President issued the directive, why it only covered a certain year, and how many Vietnamese fishermen would benefit from it.
Reports said seven Vietnamese fishermen were arrested by the Philippine Navy over illegal fishing activities 33 nautical miles west of Currimao, Ilocos Norte in October last year.
The Vietnamese reportedly caught manta rays, tuna, and shark meat and fins.
And just weeks before Duterte flew to Hanoi for his business trip, the Philippine Navy nabbed 17 Vietnamese fishermen on board three vessels on September 8 for suspected poaching in waters off Dile Point in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur.
Illegal fishing charges have already been filed against