By PRINCE GOLEZ
Manila Reporter
MANILA — Malacañang yesterday defended the Philippine National Police (PNP) Maritime Command’s apprehension of a Chinese fishing vessel at the Half-Moon Shoal, part of the disputed Spratly Islands.
The PNP Maritime Command also arrested Filipino fishermen in the area at that time and seized their boat. Police found live sea turtles on the local boat.
“The action taken by the PNP … was in accordance with [its] duty to enforce environment protection and wildlife conservation laws,” said Communications Secretary Sonny Coloma Jr.
Coloma said the apprehension of the foreign vessel was a move that upheld the country’s sovereign rights over its Exclusive Economic Zone.
The PNP Maritime Command said there is a pending case against the crew of the Chinese vessel.
Meanwhile, it said, the apprehended vessels will be placed in the custody of its Special Boat Unit.
It said the disposition of the vessels will be up to the appropriate court or authority.
The Department of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday said the move by the police on Tuesday was their way of ensuring maritime law enforcement.
It said the case will be addressed in a “just, humane and expeditious manner” by relevant authorities in Palawan./PN
