Palau gov't releases RP vessel, 10 fishers held in Feb

KOROR, Palau - The Philippine vessel Pescarico 01 and its 10-man crew left Malakal Harbor Wednesday morning after securing clearance to depart from the Palau government. The vessel, together with its crew, was investigated by the Office of the Attorney General for alleged illegal fishing within Palau waters. Palau authorities apprehended the crew and seized the vessel on Feb. 21. The Philippine embassy in Palau said the vessel is expected to arrive at its base in General Santos City on Friday. The embassy said that Global Marine Industries, the owner of the vessel, hired Oldiais Ngirakelau Law Office for the legal counsel and services needed for the release of the vessel and its crew, including Filipino nationals Dandy Baguio, Angelito Canteros, Conrado Delgado Jr., Jovencio Estrada and Josiemer Ubarco and Indonesian nationals Rondang Mosy, Jhony Kakase, Francisco Kundiman, Amos Anos and Celson Sarapil. The legal counsel and the Attorney General's Office last week reached an agreement on the terms for release of the vessel and the crew, upon which the Ministry of Justice gave the clearance for their release. The crewmembers were reportedly fined $15,000 in exchange for their release. Assistant Attorney General Ron Ledgerwood confirmed that the crew paid a fine but he refused to divulge the amount as well as the other terms in the agreement. The crew of the Pescarico spent a few hours Sunday to go to the Catholic Church and then toured Koror. They were accompanied by members of the Philippine embassy staff. The vessel was refueled on Monday for its 600-mile voyage to General Santos City. Before the vessel's departure, Bureau of Marine Law Enforcement Base Officer in Charge Thomas Tutii briefed the vessel’s Captain Baguio on the course vectors and waypoint coordinates out of Palau and towards Mindanao. The vessel went east out of Malakal Harbor and steered southwest until it was clear of Angaur, then went west towards Mindanao and General Santos City. Philippine Ambassador Ramoncito S. Marino said that the handling of the case of the Pescarico was very smooth and the outcome good. “The Bureau of Marine Law Enforcement and the Office of the Attorney General were very proficient and professional on the matter, and ensured that the crewmembers were fairly treated and their rights respected," he said. Marino added that the relationship between Palau and the Philippines has matured, so that both countries can cooperate on many matters. “What were delicate issues before, now are and can be settled effectively and amicably," Marino said. - GMANews.TV