JUSTICE Secretary Vitaliano N. Aguirre II on Friday disclosed that President Duterte has ordered the release of 17 to 29 Vietnamese fishermen caught poaching on Philippine waters.
Aguirre said the release order is a sign of goodwill and the readiness of the Philippine government to be a strategic partner of Vietnam.
“President Duterte promised to release the 17 to 29 Vietnamese fishermen who have been arrested for poaching,” Aguirre said.
“That is goodwill on the part of the President. Importante na maipahatid natin sa Vietnam na we mean well as strategic partner,” he added.
Aguirre was part of the delegation that joined President Duterte on his working visit in Vietnam last week.
He said the President assured Vietnam that its fishermen would be repatriated onboard a Philippine Airlines flight and the airfare would be shouldered by the Philippine government.
However, Aguirre maintained that the government would still be tough in enforcing the antipoaching laws in case of future incidents.
“Our commitment only covers those who have already been arrested. But I don’t think it will cover future offense,” he added.
Aguirre also said the two countries also discussed the situation in the disputed West Philippine Sea.
He said the two countries agreed to a concession with regard to the fishing rights in the disputed Spratly and Paracel Islands.
“Although may claim ang Vietnam sa Paracels, as well as sa Spratlys, magbibigayan na lang ang dalawang bansa because we are brothers,” Aguirre noted.
Both countries have been denouncing the construction and security activities of China in the disputed areas.