PHOTO by Tetch Torres-Tupas/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines – More fishermen from Palawan and Zambales no longer wants to be part of the writ of kalikasan petition for the protection of marine resources in the West Philippine Sea.
Counsels for petitioners have informed the Supreme Court that two more fishermen from Zambales and 15 from Palawan also withdrew from the petition.
Last July 19, the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP), six fishermen from Palawan and one from Zambales already withdrew from the petition.
Two remaining fishermen have yet to withdraw from the case because according to the IBP, they could not locate them.
Last July, the IBP made an effort to reach again the petitioners after Solicitor General Jose Calida accused them of defrauding the fishermen.
Solicitor General Jose Calida, during the July 9 oral argument, revealed that fisherfolk from Palawan and Zambales have executed affidavits stating that they were not aware that such a petition would be filed against the government.
Calida also appeared on television saying the IBP lawyers may be slapped with a disbarment complaint.
The high court then stepped in and issued a gag order against the parties reminding them that the case is still pending before the high court.
READ: SC to parties in West PH Sea case: Don’t litigate case on social media