Tuesday, May 24, 2016

WESCOM to fulfill mandate despite latest incident involving Filipino fishermen, Malaysian authorities

From the Philippine News Agency (May 24): WESCOM to fulfill mandate despite latest incident involving Filipino fishermen, Malaysian authorities

Despite the recent mauling incident involving Filipino fishermen and members of the Malaysian Maritime Police, the Puerto Princesa-based Western Command (WESCOM) will continue to observe its mandate in the West Philippine Sea.

This was disclosed by Capt. Cheryl Tindog, WESCOM spokesperson, when asked for details regarding the incident which reportedly took place 18 nautical miles southwest off Rizal Reef last May 9.

She added that the situation is now being investigated by concerned government agencies.

"WESCOM shall continue to perform its mandated tasks at the front-lines in support to our national government's action on the prevailing situation in the West Philippine Sea involving other claimant countries," Tindog stated.

The WESCOM spokesperson stressed that they extended assistance to the three Filipino fishermen shortly after the latter were handed to the Rizal Reef Detachment by Malaysian authorities.

"Upon arrival at the Rizal Reef Detachment, our troops stationed thereat, received the three Filipino fishermen from Malaysian nationals, and immediately provided the necessary assistance, support, means of transportation and medical attention. We also made the necessary report, and communicated same to the cognizant agencies that would immediately address the situation," she added.

The three Filipino fishermen, all from Subic, Zambales, were allegedly nabbed on grounds that they were fishing illegally in Malaysian waters.

They were freed on May 10 but were reportedly mauled by some of their captors.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=888220

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