Some of the 116 Chinese fishers who were arrested have apparently been arrested a few months ago. They were allegedly using the same vessel they were caught in. The boat only has different bow number.
Representative Etta Rosales, on the other hand said, she is disappointed with how the judicial system in Palawan works because the Chinese fishers can get away with their crime.
"Iyong mga prosecutors dini-dismiss ang kaso kahit malinaw na may mga malalakas na ebidensya. Ang pawikan ay endangered species, bakit nila pakakawalan? May problema ang judicial system dito," she said.
She wants to make an inquiry why the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) would allow the Chinese fishers to go free every time they are arrested for intrusion.
"Ano ba ang dahilan kung bakit parati na lamang nakakawala sa pananagutan ang mga ito samantalang sa mga NGOs palang ay ang dami-dami ng ebidensya," Representative Rosales said.
Meanwhile, the Bureau of Immigration and Deportation (BID) cautioned the local court in allowing the Chinese fishers to post bail. Commissioner Andrea Domingo said violation of immigration laws charges have already been filed against them.
Ong, on the other hand, is now being sued for bribery.
According to Major General Manuel Carranza of the Western Command, he tried to bribe the navy men who were stationed at Tubbataha on the day they were arrested for illegall fishing inside Tubbataha Reef National Marine Park.
Ong is also known by his alias Lucio Ko. In China, he goes by the name Xu Qingjang. He is allegedly married to a Filipina and runs a business in Quezon town in southern Palawan.
He allegedly offered P30,000 to the park rangers of Tubbataha when they were arrested for violation of the Philippine Fisheries Law. Corruption of public officials is a serious offense, General Carranza said. The case against him was filed on February 7.
Representative Rosales warned authorities to be cautious when dealing with Ko. "Magaling mag-maniobra ang taong ito kaya dapat na pag-ingatan ng mga opisyal kung paano makikipag-deal sa kanya," she added.
The 116 Chinese fishers were arrested in two separate incidents in the province, particularly in Tubbataha Reef National Marine Park (TRNMP) and near Lumbucan Island, Balabac.