Taiwanese fishermen arrested for encroaching in Philippine waters could pay a fine of US$50,000 (P2.14 million) for their release, Manila Economic and Cultural Office chairman Amadeo Perez said on Monday.
Perez said Philippine authorities can still arrest Taiwanese fishermen intruding local waters despite the agreement between both Manila and Taipei to avoid the use of force in resolving fishing disputes.
“In principle, we agreed that force or violence will not be used in the apprehension of fishermen in our territorial boundaries and also with Taiwan’s. But we will not discontinue arresting Taiwanese fishermen who will encroach into our territorial boundaries and in the same manner in their boundaries,” Perez said in a television interview on Monday morning.
When arrested, they (Taiwanese fishermen) could post bail or pay the administrative fine of US$50,000 in order to be able to release the fishermen and the boat that they use in poaching,” the MECO chief added.
Perez also said if a case is filed in court, then the fine could go as high as US$100,000 or US$200,000.
“Most fishermen, they would be willing to pay the administrative fine of US$50,000 than to [face] the case in court,” he said.
The Philippines and Taiwan also need to notify each other if fishermen from either country were arrested for intruding the respective territorial waters.
But Perez said in the initial agreement between Taiwan and the Philippines that rules out the use of violence, both parties have so far set aside the issue on the “overlapping” territorial claims.
He said that issue has yet to be discussed in future meetings.
When asked if Taiwanese fishermen resist arrest and use violence, Perez said Philippine authorities could also resort to force in apprehending the territorial intruders.
2012. Philstar