Duterte sees off Vietnamese fishermen, highlights bilateral ties
Flanked by his officials, President Duterte waves to Vietnamese fishermen as they are brought to their fishing vessel during the ceremonial sendoff late afternoon yesterday at the wharf in Sual, Pangasinan. Cesar Ramirez, Krizjohn Rosales
MANILA, Philippines — President Duterte yesterday emphasized the importance of Philippine and Vietnam relations and with other countries belonging to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) when the government facilitated the release of five Vietnamese fishermen caught poaching last September.
Duterte also apologized for the stand-off last September that led to the killing of two Vietnamese fishermen in an encounter with the Philippine Navy.
“We are one, we are Asians… I am sorry for the incident. I hope it will never happen again… These incidents will not destroy our bond or relations. We are strong,” Duterte told Vietnamese Ambassador Ly Quoc Tan.
“I commit to the ambassador that next time, kindly give me (a) call personally and I will do the same to your President. Maybe, we cannot avoid all together these incidents (from) happening again,” Duterte said in his send-off speech to the five Vietnamese fishermen in ceremonies in Sual Wharf in Pangasinan yesterday.
While incidents of poaching in local waters cannot be totally prevented, Duterte cited the importance of establishing communications between the leaders and partners at ASEAN to solve any possible disputes.
Duterte also batted for faster resolution of cases to ensure the affected fishermen get to spend “shorter the period of being out of their country.”
“We are willing to talk anytime. On that note, Salamat po. I bid you a safe journey back home,” he told the Vietnamese fishermen.
Duterte made the pitch during the send off for five Vietnamese fishermen –Phan Lam, Phan Net, Nguyen Uan Trong, Nguyen Than Chi, and Pham To.
They were among the seven Vietnamese who were caught poaching off Bolinao, Pangasinan last September.
The other two identified as Le Van Liem and Le Van Reo were killed by “miscalculated” warning gunshots fired from a Navy vessel that chased their fishing boat.
After being under the custody of the Philippine government, Duterte together with the Vietnamese ambassador sent off the fishermen with provisions of jackets, hygiene kits and food items.
As the past chairman of ASEAN, Duterte stressed the ever-changing picture of politics in the region and around the world.
“We have come out with something that is really native to ours. After gaining our independence, the bright ones came up with the ASEAN,” he said.
“Peace amongst the members must be preserved,” he added, seeking cooperation and assistance among the 10-member bloc, saying it would not be impossible that Filipinos may also be caught poaching in other countries.
Duterte batted for the need to secure each country’s territorial waters, particularly in Sulu and in areas in Mindanao.
Duterte said he has ordered the military to attack vessels once confirmed they are controlled by terrorists and pirates.
“If it’s a confirmed terrorist vessel, sink it. Nevermind the terrorists, the fish will consume them,” he said.
Duterte had a bilateral meeting with Vietnam President Tran Dan Quang where he discussed freeing the five Vietnamese fishermen, among others, during the sidelines of the Asian Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Hanoi. – Eva Visperas
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