Navy apprehends Six(6) Chinese Poachers

A joint retrieval operation spearheaded by the personnel of the Philippine Navy apprehended six (6) illegal Chinese Poachers aboard a speed boat some 1.5 nautical miles west-off Balabac, Palawan yesterday, 02 December 2011.

According to Capt Toribio Adaci, Commanding Officer of PS 36, a suspicious speed boat seen fishing in the vicinity of Lubang, Brgy. Ramos town of Balacbac and were immediately reported to Naval Forces West station at Puerto Princesa.

Commo Rustom O Pena, Commander NFW, directed to organize a two teams to respond immediately. Composed of personnel from the Navy, PNP, DENR and PCG, the team proceeded to the area for the hot pursuit around 7:30 AM.

The suspected Chinese poachers were caught while trying to unload some of their cargoes in order to gain speed for a quick escape. However, the Chinese speedboat had a mechanical intervention that made the retrieval operation straightforward. 

Four Dead sea turtles of assorted species and sizes, one bundle of fish net with approximate one (1) ton in weight and one (1) plastic container field with unleaded gas were retrieved. They are believed to be conducting underwater operations with the use of compressor before the conduct of the hot pursuit.

The Chinese Poachers namely Kah Di Wu, Ah Bu, Ah Chiu, Ah Suan, Ah Chuang and Ah Chun came from the province of Hainan, China. They were given medical check-up and subsequently turn-over to Balabac PNP for proper disposition. Together with the evidences, they were ferried by PS 36 to Puerto Princesa for filling of appropriate charges at the provincial trial court.

Aftermath, personnel from NFW and the local government unit of Balabac conducted an information drive and briefing about R.A. 8550 (The act of Fisheries Code of the Philippines) to the locals of the town since the presence of illegal poachers were typical in their shore.
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By: LTCOL OMAR L TONSAY PN(M)(GSC)
December 15,2011
Official Philippine Navy Press Release