Spies? We're looking into that, Gazmin says of Chinese fishermen whose vessel got stuck on reef

From InterAksyon (Apr 12): Spies? We're looking into that, Gazmin says of Chinese fishermen whose vessel got stuck on reef



Chinese fishermen arrive in Puerto Princesa after their vessel got stuck on Tubbataha. (Elmer Badilla, InterAksyon.com)

Philippine intelligence officials are looking into the possibility that the Chinese fishermen whose vessel got stuck on Tubbataha Reef could be spies.

While it remains “coincidental” that the grounding of the Chinese vessel took place just months after the US Navy ship USS Guardian got stuck in the same area, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said appropriate agencies are now looking into the matter.

"It's difficult for us to just accuse anyone or suspect anyone, it's unfair but we do hope it's coincidental," he told reporters on Friday.

Speculations arose that the Chinese fishermen could be secret agents after they tried to bribe park officials with $2,400.

The 12 Chinese fishermen were brought to the local detention facility in Palawan after they were charged for violating several environmental laws.

Gazmin could also not confirm reports that the 12 Chinese fishermen had asked for their freedom.

The Philippine Coast Guard hopes to remove the Chinese fishing vessel from the North Atoll this weekend.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/59293/spies-were-looking-into-that-gazmin-says-of-chinese-fishermen-whose-vessel-got-stuck-on-reef