Tubbataha mystery: Some facts don't add up
By Redempto D. Anda
Inquirer Southern Luzon
8:00 am | Saturday, April 13th, 2013
PUERTO PRINCESA CITY—Defense officials and investigators looking into the grounding of a Chinese fishing boat on an atoll in Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park may not be dealing with an accident but an intrusion.
A defense official told the Inquirer on Friday that the investigation has found "some facts that don't add up."
For example, the
48-meter Ming Long Yu is supposed to be a fishing vessel but it is not fitted to hold fish.
"It is not even loaded with ice, which is normal to a fishing operation," said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, as he had no authorization to talk to journalists about the investigation.
Angelique Songco, Tubbataha marine park superintendent, confirmed that the
Ming Long Yu had no equipment and facilities for fish storage, such as ice makers and refrigerated holds.
The absence of those capabilities indicates that the Ming Long Yu is not a fishing vessel and that the 12 men who have been arrested and charged with poaching and bribery are not fishermen but intruders who have come with a purpose other than fishing.
Tubbataha mystery: Some facts don't add up | Inquirer Global Nation