![The turtle fishermen argued they were not aware they were in Philippine seas. [ABC]](http://www.abc.net.au/reslib/201007/r599067_3886136.jpg "The turtle fishermen argued they were not aware they were in Philippine seas. [ABC]")
Shirley Escalante, Manila
Last Updated:
Philippine authorities have dropped charges against nine Chinese fishermen, caught poaching turtles in Philippine territory.
But non government organisations say the move endorses Chinese incursions into Philippine waters.
Civil society groups have criticized the government for allegedly adhering to a de facto foreign policy of condoning repeated Chinese incursions into Philippine territory.
The justice department has upheld the respondents' argument that they were not aware they were in Philippine seas since they were guided by a Chinese map that indicated the entire south China sea as part of China's territory.
The nine Chinese fishermen were arrested in May for poaching turtles in Philippine waters.
The Bureau of Fisheries has asked the justice department to reverse its decision.
Gulin
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