MIMAROPA

PCSDS files charges against Vietnamese poachers

Tuesday 17th of April 2012

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan, April 17 (PIA) -- The Palawan Council for Sustainable Development Staff (PCSDS) formally filed charges recently against 12 Vietnamese poachers caught last week in Balabac waters.

Atty. Adele Benavente-Villena, PCSDS Legal Officer filed three cases of violations of Section 27 of Republic Act No. 9147 or the "Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act" and Sections 87 and 97 of Republic Act 8550 or the Philippine Fisheries Code. The charges were filed at the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office.

Last week’s arrest yielded 20 dead endangered sea turtles and other apparatus used for poaching on board the Vietnamese fishing vessel.

The 12 Vietnamese poachers and the fishing vessels are now in the custody of the Philippine Navy.

In an interview with a local radio station yesterday, Commodore Joseph Rustom Peña said that NAVFORWEST is now coordinating with the City Philippine National Police, PCSDS, and the Hall of Justice for the transfer of the Vietnamese nationals.

The arrest of the 12 Vietnamese poachers came barely a year after a major apprehension by the Naval Forces West (NAVFORWEST) of 122 Vietnamese nationals on seven fishing vessels, also in Balabac waters.

Wildlife traffickers have been taking sea turtles for their by products such as food, medicine and as pets. The shells are also used to create decorative items. (LBR/VSM/PIA-Palawan)