ISABELA CITY, Basilan – The military will further intensify its patrol operations to protect the Philippine territories from foreign intruders, the commander of the Western Command (WESCOM) assured after six Chinese poachers were arrested catching endangered marine animals off the coast of Bgy. Ramos, Balabac early this month.
WESCOM Chief LTGen Juancho M. Sabban said the military will strengthen security operations in areas most often frequented by foreign intruders.
On December 1, a composite team of naval and marine soldiers apprehended the six Chinese fishermen and discovered eight sea turtles, three of which were already dead, on board a speedboat following a report they received of the presence of the foreign nationals within the territorial waters of the country.
The illegal fishermen even tried to escape but were caught by the authorities after a chase that lasted 19 minutes.
The apprehending team initially caught five of the six Chinese in the operation conducted. The other one was under the water checking their nets during the pursuit that ensued.
According to initial reports, the said alien fisherman who had been left behind swam to the nearest community and tried to get help where he was turned over to the proper authorities.
In the clearing operations conducted the next day, the authorities found additional four dead sea turtles caught in the fishing nets left behind by the Chinese poachers.
The six alien poachers were brought to Puerto Princesa City
The recovered marine animals were also transported to the city and after being measured and inventoried, the live ones were released back to the sea while the others were buried after being presented at the fiscal’s office as evidence.
The sea turtles recovered belong to the Green Turtle specie which is second in the category of threatened marine animals by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
An adult green turtle is estimated to have a market value of P10,000 while a juvenile is worth P5,000.
The apprehended Chinese fishermen will be charged with violations of the Philippine Wildlife Act and illegal entry. (6CRGAFP/RVC-PIA9 ZBST)
