US Navy fined for 'illegal entry' at Philippine reef

PHILILLPINES: Philippine authorities said Tuesday they have fined the US Navy for "unauthorised entry" after an American minesweeper went aground on a World Heritage-listed coral reef.

Manila announced the initial penalty amid growing anger in the Philippines over the January 17 stranding of the USS Guardian on the Tubbataha Reef, for which the US Navy has apologised.

The law prescribes a maximum penalty of up to a year in prison plus a fine of up to 300,000 pesos (about $7,300) for unauthorised entry, but Tan said the penalty agreed by the board does not include the jail option.

"We initially decided to fine them," said Tan, also the country president of the World Wildlife Fund. He declined to disclose the amount.

AFP