By Jeffrey Damicog
The Department of Justice (DOJ) is set to determine how much compensation the Chinese government should pay over the ramming of a Filipino fishing boat in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) last year.
“We’ll determine that amount and submit it to the DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs) ASAP (as soon as possible),” said DOJ Secretary Menardo Guevarra on Monday, June 22.
Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra
(TOTO LOZANO / PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO / FILE PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN)
“Through Usec. Adrian Sugay, I have already given instructions to the provincial prosecutor’s office nearest the place of residence of the fishermen concerned to gather the necessary information,” the DOJ chief disclosed.
Guevarra made the assurance after Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro “Teddyboy” Locsin Jr. admitted that no compensation has been paid yet to the owner and crew members of fishing boat Gem-Vir 1 which got rammed by a Chinese vessel near the Reed Bank, also known as the Recto Bank, in the WPS.
Locsin explained the DOJ has to make the determination first before compensation should be made.
“As you know, damages comprise the civil aspect of any criminal case,” Guevarra said.
“Be that as it may, the DOJ will be happy to help our fishermen and the boat owner in recovering civil damages,” assured the Secretary.
“I remember that the Chinese side has expressed willingness to pay for any reasonable amount of compensatory damages,” he added.
On the other hand, Guevarra said he could not recall any previous request for the DOJ to determine the compensation for the damages.
“I don’t remember that the DOJ was tasked before to determine the amount of compensatory or other civil damages, but since Sec. Locsin mentioned it we’ll be very happy to help,” he stated.