DFA says court decision on 12 Chinese fishermen grounded on PHL laws

Chinese vessel caught with poachers in Palawan. PNP-PIO photo

MANILA – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said the decision of the court to convict the 12 Chinese fishermen who were jailed for poaching in Philippine waters is based on national laws.

In a statement, Foreign Affairs spokesman Charles Jose said: “The verdict was based on applicable Philippine laws. And the place where these Chinese fishermen were apprehended in April 2013 is part of the Philippines’ internal waters where it has exclusive sovereignty.”

The 12 were meted imprisonment for six to 12 years, plus a fine of US$ 100,000 for poaching off the Tubattaha Reef, which has been declared by the United Nations as a world heritage site.

This is the first conviction of Chinese fishermen by a Philippine court since tensions flared anew between Manila and Beijing over disputed territories in the South China Sea in 2012.

To diffuse tensions and resolve disputes, Jose said the Philippines will seek support in an upcoming Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Myanmar for a three step proposal that would include a freeze on construction in disputed features in the South China Sea.

Manila last month revealed that China has been engaged in a rapid expansion and reclamation of at least two areas in the South China Sea that are within the Philippines’ territory.

“We believe that our framework proposal is positive, constructive and comprehensive, and will be beneficial to everyone in the region, including China,” Jose said.