Taiwanese poachers pay P1million fine

By Charlie Lagasca

TUGUEGARAO CITY -– Two Taiwanese fishermen, who were apprehended for poaching in May this year, paid a compromise fine amounting to P1.05 million to settle their administrative case before the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources.

The Taiwanese, identified as Hsu Hung Tse and Chen Fu Nan, together with seven Filipino crewmembers, were aboard their fishing vessel F/V JV PHIL5, when apprehended by elements of the BFAR and Philippine Coast Guard last May 21 off the coast of Palanan town in Isabela.

The Filipinos were identified as Pedeto Manungbaga, Pablo Sanchez, Jonathan Abarquez, Asterio Velasco, Roger Sazo, Noel Lomberio, and NisiforoOmela.

BFAR Regional Director JovitaAyson, who acted as complainant in the case, expressed her appreciation saying the hefty fine shall serve as deterrent to other poachers.

The Bureau accepted the compromise fine, although the collected amount is lower than the minimum penalty prescribed under the law for poaching violation.

The Bureau further cited the possibility of flight on the part of the respondents, the difficulty in maintaining airtight evidence and the dire need of the government to come-up with funds to finance vital projects.

The amount collected was remitted to the National Treasury.