PHL should ensure convicted poachers – China

Part of Johnson Reef locally called Mabini Reef at the Spratly Islands. Photo from Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs / scmp.com.

MANILA – Though China is not opposing the Philippine Court’s decision to convict 12 Chinese fishermen for the grounding of their vessel on Tubbataha Reef in April 2013, China is calling on the Philippine government for the humane treatment of the convicts.

“The Foreign Ministry and Chinese diplomatic missions in the Philippines will continue to provide consular assistance within their remit to the Chinese fishermen and request the Philippine side to guarantee their legitimate rights and interests,” Hua Chunying, China Foreign Ministry spokesperson, said in a statement Wednesday.

“Meanwhile, we hope that Chinese fishermen working at the sea can abide by laws and carry out normal fishery production,” Hua added.

A total of 12 poachers including captain Lui Chiangjie and 1 crewmen will be facing up to 10 years behind bars, following the decision of the Palawan Regional Trial Court Branch 51.

The Chinese fishermen were convicted for violating Section 27 of Republic Act 10067, which declares Tubbataha Reef as a protected area.

The 11 other fishermen were identified as  Che Li Yong, Fan Len Tie, Xuan Ven Fe, Wang Yu Zhen, Lizhong Sheng, Lizhiming, Liu Cheng Tie, Tung Zhue We, Tang Hai Liny, Wen Hong Min and Qi Vixn.