The Chinese fishermen whose vessel ran aground on Tubbataha Reef as they arrive in Puerto Princesa City. (photo by Elmer Badilla, InterAksyon.com)
The 12 Chinese fishermen arrested and detained after their vessel ran aground on Tubbataha Reef pleaded not guilty Friday to charges of poaching and attempted bribery filed against them by the Tubbataha Management Office.
The 12 entered their plea before Executive Judge Jocelyn Sundiang- Dilig of Palawan Regional Trial Court Branch 51, where they have been charged with violating Republic Act 10067 or the Tubbataha Protected Area Law of 2009 and Article 212 of the Revised Penal Code or corruption of public officials.
They allegedly tried to bribe Tubbataha park rangers in exchange for releasing them.
Park Superintendent Angelique Songco, the main complainant in the case, said they expected the fishermen to plead not guilty.
She also vowed to file more charges against the Chinese.
Aside from the 400 boxes of slaughtered anteaters or ‘balintong’, a powdered substance was also found aboard the fishing vessel the Min Long Yu and is being tested at the Philippine National Police Crime Laboratory.
The fishermen’s lawyer, Lex Jagmis, refused to comment on issues raised over the identity of his clients and the purpose for their foray into Philippine waters, saying this was best left to the wisdom of the court.
The first hearing of the case is scheduled on May 22.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/59808/chinese-fishermen-in-tubbataha-grounding-plead-not-guilty-to-poaching-bribery
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