CNA quoted Philippine resident representative Antonio Basilio as saying the signing may take place before the fishing season ends.
Basilio said both sides are ironing out minor issues including the “language to be used in the agreement and the format,” the CNA report added.
He added Philippine government officials will hold “internal consultations” next week on the remaining issues.
The CNA noted both sides had worked on the agreement since last year following an encounter in disputed waters where a Taiwanese fisherman was shot dead.
It said both sides reached a consensus on several issues on maritime law enforcement cooperation, including:
– no use of force when patrolling fishing grounds
– establishment of a mechanism to inform each other in fishery incidents
– release of detained fishermen and boats as soon as possible.
Once the agreement is signed, both sides will discuss a permanent mechanism for fishery cooperation, CNA quoted Basilio as saying. — Joel Locsin /LBG, GMA News
