Manila: President Rodrigo Duterte cited humanitarian compassion as well as diplomatic imperatives for his recent decision to release 17 Vietnamese fishermen caught poaching in Philippine waters last September.
Duterte, on Wednesday, sent-off the Vietnamese fishermen in simple ceremonies in Sual Pangasinan, several kilometres away in Northern Philippines’ Currimao, in Ilocos where they were arrested for entering the country’s waters.
“I am very happy that I’m here to send off my fellow human beings,”, the president said while pointing out that a common thread that binds nations in Southeast Asia is the premium they place on dignity and self-respect.
The Vietnamese fishermen entered Philippine waters during the height of Typhoon Meranti (named “Ferdie” in the Philippines) in September.
According to officials, particularly Associate Provincial Prosecutor Meinrado Plete in Vigan City in northern Philippines, the fishermen were forced to set course into waters of Currimao in Ilocos Norte to avoid the typhoon.
Plete dismissed the charges of poaching filed against the fishermen by the Provincial Fishery and Regulatory Office.
“Instead of the punitive arm of the law, we should extend to them our helping hand,” Plete said.
According to Duterte, the one common attribute that is common among Southeast Asian nations is the importance countries in the region place on human dignity and self-respect.
There had been incidents in the past where Philippine authorities would arrest Vietnamese fishermen or for that matter, fishers from other countries, caught straying inside the country’s waters. But that was during previous administration when the sitting government was eager to show that intruders would be brought to justice, he said.
Duterte said new realities have set in and it was important that the region works together.
The president said it was the Vietnamese government who had asked for the release of the fishermen during his visit to the country in September.
The President emphasised that the Philippines places importance to its relationship with its Southeast Asian neighbours. Both the Philippines and Vietnam are members of the 10-member bloc the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean).
“The Orientals have this respect for another fellow human being,” he added, saying this matter transcends nationality, creed or race.
“Whether they be Chinese, Vietnamese or Americans, we do it with almost utmost respect even if he’s really a prisoner or whatnot,” Duterte said.
Vietnamese ambassador to the Philippines Truong Trieu Duong expressed gratitude to Duterte.
“We, the Vietnamese people, especially the fishermen ... will forever be in debt for the goodwill, the kind and humanitarian gesture by you, Mr President, and the Filipino people,” the envoy said.
Duterte has been on a diplomatic charm offensive since he was sworn into office as the Philippines’ 16th President last July 1.
He has made state visits to various countries, including to Vietnam, China, Indonesia as well as Japan.
The president has said he is trying to steer the Philippines’ away from reliance on the US and is keen to chart an independent foreign policy.
