Twelve Chinese fishermen, whose vessel ran aground on the Tubbataha Reef in the Philippines in April 2013, were meted long prison terms on Tuesday for illegal fishing off the Reef area.
The reef, a marine sanctuary and UNESCO Heritage Site, was badly damaged after the 48-metre (157-foot) Chinese vessel ran into it during illegal fishing activities.
Liu Chiangjie, boat captain, and his crew entered a plea of not guilty, under the pretense of having “gotten lost” in the area. Puerto Princesa regional trial court judge Ambrosio de Luna threw out this explanation, however, calling it “highly incredible and unbelievable”.
In an interview with the AFP, clerk of court Hazel Alaska disclosed that the maximum penalty for the crime, amounting to of 12 years in prison, was slapped upon the boat captain, while the crew received sentences between 6 and 10 years.
Alaska added that sentencing was passed after all of the accused were found guilty of violating the anti-poaching provisions of a law passed in 2009, which decreed the Tubbataha Reef as protected waters.
Aside from the prison sentence, a fine of $100,000 each was imposed upon the fishermen. Their boat was likewise confiscated. were also, while their boat was forfeited, Alaska added.
The fishermen face up to 20 years in prison, should they be found guilty of another crime – illegal possession of protected species – for which they are still being tried.
Philippine coast reported that hundreds of dead and frozen pangolins were discovered on board their vessel.
After the court handed down its verdicts for the crime of illegal fishing, chief provincial prosecutor Alen Rodriguez told the AFP: “This is a breakthrough in our campaign against environmental degradation,” told AFP after the court handed down its verdicts.
“I hope this will be the start of a winning streak,” he added.