DOJ to help in computing compensation for Gem-Ver 1 fishermen

FILE:  Junel Insigne (third from left), the captain of the capsized F/B Gem-Ver, narrates to Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Regional Director Eleazar Salilig (in white polo shirt) his group’s harrowing experience prior to their turnover at the BRP Ramon Alcaraz on Friday (June 14, 2019). (PNA photo by Joey O. Razon)

MANILA – The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Monday said it will act shortly in computing the damages due to 22 Filipino fishermen of the F/B Gem-Ver 1 which was rammed by a Chinese vessel last year.

“If the Secretary of Foreign Affairs (Teodoro Locsin Jr.

) said the DOJ is requested to assess the number of compensatory damages, we will be happy to help. I will direct our field offices to gather the necessary information,” Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said in a message to reporters.

A privately-owned Chinese vessel collided with the fishing boat from Occidental Mindoro that was anchored near the Recto Bank (Reed Bank) in the West Philippine Sea on June 9, 2019.

The collision sank the wooden Filipino fishing boat while the Chinese vessel approached, turned on its lights, and then switched them off and left immediately, abandoning the Filipino fishermen at sea.

A Vietnamese vessel rescued the Filipinos several hours after the incident.