IBP, 7 fishermen withdraw writ of kalikasan plea

The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) and seven fishermen on Friday filed a motion withdrawing their writ of kalikasan petition in the Supreme Court for the protection of the marine environment in the West Philippine Sea.

“With due regard to the plight and position of the fishermen-petitioners, their views and recommendations of the handling lawyers and IBP chapters involved, and the matters raised and guidance by the honorable Supreme Court, a motion has been filed for the withdrawal or discharge of the counsels of the fishermen and for the withdrawal of the petition,” IBP president Domingo Egon Cayosa said in a statement.

The IBP submitted handwritten letters of six fishermen from Palawan and one from Zambales, as well as a resolution of the IBP board of governors as supporting documents.  —JEROME ANING