Fishers abused by Malaysia Navy narrate ordeal in probe

NELSON Plamiano (right) and Odelin Baisa, two of the three fishermen detained and manhandled by Malaysian Navy personnel, show the note that warns them against fishing near the Rizal (Commodore) Reef. The note was given them by a Malaysian navy man. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

SUBIC, Zambales—“Last warning!!! Aggressive action will be taken if we meet you again.”

This was the handwritten message on a note, which three fishermen

showed on Tuesday to a Philippine Navy investigator probing their detention by a Malaysian vessel on May 9.

The note was handed to fishermen Nelson Plamiano, Arlon Sandro and Odelin Baisa by a Malaysian Navy officer when they were released on May 10.

The fishermen said they were still within the territorial waters of the Philippines, about 17 nautical miles from the Rizal (Commodore) Reef, when the Malaysian authorities apprehended them.

The fishermen had asked the Philippine government to file a complaint against at least 20 Malaysian Navy personnel for beating them up while they were under detention on a Malaysian vessel on May 9.

Malaysian maritime policemen claimed the Filipinos illegally entered Malaysia’s territorial waters, southwest of the Philippines.

“We were handcuffed, slapped, punched and kicked on the chest. We were forced to kneel on the hot floor of the ship’s deck,” Plamiano recounted to the Inquirer in an earlier interview.

The fishermen had turned to Subic Mayor Jay Khonghun for medical assistance.

Dr. Leonardo Afable, Subic municipal health officer, said two of the fishermen suffered burns on their knees. A medical certificate issued by Dr. Romel Felarca of the San Marcelino District Hospital said Baisa was still suffering from infected wounds on the knee. Each of his knee bore injuries measuring about three centimeters.

Navy officials said they would coordinate with the Department of Foreign Affairs in preparing an international petition or complaint against the Malaysian Navy.

Khonghun described the fishermen’s encounter with the Malaysian authorities as “saddening.”

“Our fishermen were mauled and threatened by the Malaysian Navy inside the territory of the Philippines. It’s sad that it’s not only Chinese who are doing this to us,” Khonghun said.