(Eagle News)– President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday (September 30) gave directives to the Department of Justice (DOJ) to speed up the release of Vietnamese fishermen caught poaching in Philippine waters last year.
According to Justice Undersecretary Erickson Balmes, the President wanted the release to be as soon as possible at government’s expense.
The vessels used by Vietnamese will also be returned to Vietnam.
No further details were given on Duterte’s sudden commands.
Vietnamese fishermen were arrested by the Philippine Navy in October last year. Several manta rays, tuna, and sharks were caught in their possession.
Weeks before Duterte’s visit to Vietnam, another 17 Vietnamese fishermen were nabbed by the Philippine Navy for alleged poaching activities in waters near Vigan, Ilocos Sur.
