Batanes lone district Rep. Ciriaco Gato Jr. has raised "grave concern" over the reported release of foreign poachers caught in provincial waters.

"I have received with grave concern reports regarding the release –while at sea – of foreign nationals apprehended for alleged illegal fishing in the waters of Batanes," Gato said in a Facebook post Wednesday afternoon, May 21.

The poachers were Taiwanese, according to Gato.

The recently reelected congressman says the development is of great import to his constituents.

"While full details have yet to be verified, the very nature of these reports raises questions about transparency, due process, and jurisdiction. The people of Batanes must be given clarity on the matter," he said.

Gato, chairman of the Committee on Health in tje 19th Congress, also expressed worries over the "increasing presence of these foreign fishing vessels along the shores of the province of Batanes".

"This poses a serious threat to our marine biodiversity and food security, and endangers our Ivatan fishermen. We must not allow foreign interests to encroach upon our waters with impunity," he said.

"I call on the relevant agencies to intensify monitoring and enforcement efforts in our northern waters, act with urgency and coordination in protecting our territorial seas, and ensure that our maritime laws are consistently upheld," said the veteran lawmaker.

Gato vowed to Batanes folk that he would "seek a full inquiry into this incident and get to the bottom of what transpired".

"We will not let this pass without accountability," he said.