The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (Bfar) and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) have
apprehended two Chinese fishing vessels between the waters of Babuyan Island and Batanes on Monday.
The Bfar said the law enforcers were conducting seaborne patrol aboard its patrol vessels MCS 3010 and MM Patrol Boat 3049, when they chanced upon fishing vessels Shen Lian Cheng 719 with 12 crew members, and Shen Lian Chen 720 with 13crewmembers.
The attached agency of the Department of Agriculture said both fishing vessels were observed to be flying an inverted Philippine flag within the country’s archipelagic waters.
Upon inspection, however, the Bfar said all documents indicate that the vessels are registered with the People’s Republic of China and that no prior authorization to traverse Philippine waters is shown.
The fishing vessels were escorted to Basco, Batanes, for further investigation.
“Based on existing rules, the fact that both foreign fishing vessels were flying Philippine flag gave rise to the presumption that they are engaged in poaching, as there seems to be an attempt to conceal the vessels’ true identity to enable themselves to engage in fishing activity in Philippine waters,” the Bfar said.
“We will ensure, however, that the incident will be thoroughly investigated following the proper procedures,” the agency added.
The Bfar said it has already informed the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) about the incident and requested official interpreters to be sent to Basco during the investigation process.
The Chinese embassy, through the DFA, will also be formally notified.
