Plea to repatriate Indon fishers rejected

TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan — The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) stood firm yesterday on its position not to grant the request of the Indonesian government for the repatriation on "humanitarian grounds" of its seven nationals facing criminal charges for poaching off Isabela.

BFAR regional director Jovita Ayson said the Indonesian nationals presently detained at the Bureau of Immigration office in Aparri town should stand trial for violating Philippine laws.

The Indonesians, along with two Taiwanese nationals, were apprehended while fishing off the coast of Isabela last summer.

BFAR and Coast Guard officers found endangered and high-grade marine species aboard the Taiwanese fishing vessel.

The foreign nationals are facing trial for violations of Republic Act 8550 or the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998, in the Isabela Regional Trial Court.

Ayson said, "Humanitarian considerations, though how noble they may be, should give way to the implementation of Philippine laws."

Besides, she said their office is no longer in a position to act on the repatriation request since the case is already under the court’s jurisdiction.

The BFAR has stood its ground even as the Regional Committee on Illegal Entrants was inclined to grant the request of the Indonesian Embassy and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office for the immediate repatriation of their nationals on humanitarian grounds.

The committee, led by Chief Superintendent Jefferson Soriano, regional police director, reasoned that granting the repatriation request would be a "gesture of goodwill and reciprocity."

Earlier, the Department of Foreign Affairs endorsed the repatriation request of both Indonesia and Taiwan to the committee for appropriate action. - Charlie Lagasca