The Philippines and Vietnam have re-energized bilateral talks on law enforcement at sea as well as on possible areas of technical cooperation on crop production and fisheries, Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala said over the weekend.
The two countries are now working on a protocol for the peaceful resolution of apprehensions at sea especially those pertaining to illegal fishing activities in respective territorial waters.
Likewise slated for discussion are specific areas for technical cooperation in aquaculture methods for freshwater species like cream dory and rice production systems that can significantly increase yield.
We already have a prior engagement with them in these matters but now we are putting more focus on the discussion, said Alcala.
In areas of law enforcement at sea, the two countries are working on a process for peaceful resolution of conflict, one in which offenders will abide by the law of their respective countries and still be assured of safe repatriation.
If offenders are caught, they would have to pay the penalties but they will not be harmed. The rule of engagement will not be aggressive, said Alcala.
Last year, two Vietnamese fishing vessels were apprehended in Philippine territorial waters.
In April 2014, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) arrested seven Vietnamese fishermen for poaching off Zambales.
The Vietnamese fishing vessel was apprehended off Silanguin port in Subic.
Eleven Vietnamese fishermen were apprehended and yielded 50 sharks in March last year in Taytay, Palawan.
The BFAR has since moved to strengthen ties with the Vietnamese government to address illegal fishing.
In March this year, the Philippines and Vietnam established a hotline where the two countries can immediately coordinate on the appropriate response on incidents of illegal fishing as well as on emergency response for distressed Filipino and Vietnamese fishermen in the high seas.
2015 ABS-CBN Interactive