MANILA, Philippines—The nine Chinese poachers arrested early this month pleaded not guilty for violating the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998 before the Palawan Court.
They are facing a case for violation of Section 87 (Poaching in Philippine Waters) and Section 97 (Fishing or Taking of Rare, Threatened or Endangered Species).
CHINESE POACHERS Eleven Chinese fishermen arrested by Philippine maritime police for poaching in the West Philippine Sea arrive at the headquarters of the PNP Maritime Special Boat Unit in Honda Bay in Puerto Princesa City. REDEMPTO D. ANDA/INQUIRER SOUTHERN LUZON
They were identified as boat captain Chen Yi Quan, chief engineer Chen Ze Hao and crews Shi Xian Xiong, Shi Liang Duong, He Chuan, Huang Ji Xuan, He Sheng Bao, He Yuan Cheng, and Lu Chuan Fang.
At first, the Chinese nationals refused to cooperate insisting that they are not violating any law because they are fishing inside China’s territory. They also refused the services of a public lawyer.
But Palawan Provincial Prosecutor Allen Ross Rodriguez said aside from pleading “not guilty,” the nine accused also accepted the services of a public lawyer—Atty. Jocelyn Fumera.
The nine accused have yet to post bail. The DOJ recommended P30,000 bail each for violation of section 87 and P40,000 each for Section 97.
They were caught on May 6 poaching about 216 live turtles, like Green Sea and Hawks Bill considered all critically endangered species of wildlife, and 381 assorted dead turtles.
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