56 Filipino fishers nabbed by Indons

Fifty-six Filipino fishermen were arrested and their six trawlers seized by the Indonesian coast guard last week after they were caught poaching in that country’s territorial waters, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said yesterday.

However, 20 fishermen had already been repatriated in two batches to General Santos City, their port of origin, Consul General to Manado, Indonesia Reynaldo Martinez reported to the DFA.

Martinez said 22 others are still awaiting repatriation at the Philippine consulate in Manado, while 14 have been jailed in Tahuna, Indonesia.

Martinez said the 14 were detained because they appeared to be the "chief operators" and mechanics of the trawlers, which had taken the fishermen to Indonesian waters.

After investigation, the 42 were released to Philippine consulate officials as they were found to be ordinary fishermen who had no say in the operation of the vessels, he added.

Martinez said the fishermen did not carry any identification cards that could show that they were crewmen of the trawlers or where they are residing in the Philippines.

Martinez said he learned from the fishermen that their financiers assured them that the trawlers had been issued a fishing permit by Indonesian authorities.

Martinez had recommended to the DFA that the proper government agency investigate whether the seized fishing boats are registered in the Philippines in accordance with law.

Martinez urged Congress to pass a law penalizing operators of fishing boats who lure Filipino fishermen into poaching in the territorial waters of neighboring countries.

Repatriated last Oct. 18 were: Arman Diaz, Edgardo Besira, Danilo Florendo, Neil Cardino, Nesty Baybay, Ahron Tag-at, Recson Tuyoc, Cirilo Cornel, Jimmy Pasaque, and Nining Necor.

They are from the trawlers Princess Malenn Mae, Em-Em, and Viva Sta. Cruz.

Repatriated last Oct. 21 were: Polonio Rabecis, Hildo Rabaca Jr., Carwin Cabanog, Manolito Tuyoc, Angelo Tenebro, Falabiano Handayan Jr., Graciano Querubin Jr., Elmar Perpo, Carlo Evangelista, and a certain Paulino.

They are from the fishing boats Viva Sta Cruz, Sr. San Juan, San Roque, and Crismar.