AFP Western Command arrest Vietnamese fishermen
MANILA – Military officials from the Western Command reported the apprehension of Vietnamese fishermen said to be fishing within the Philippine territory, in the waters of Bakungan Island, Tawi-Tawi last Tuesday, March 23,2021.
In a statement from the AFP Western Command, Lt. General Corleto Vinluan said the combined elements of Marine Battalion Landing Team-6 and Turtle Island Municipal Police Station changed upon a foreign-flagged vessel fishing in the area.
MBLT chief Lt. Col. Venjie Pendon said they approached the vessel and confirmed it had no clearance from government agencies to enter the Philippine waters.
The fishing boat had seven crew members led by one Hunya Van Day, the boat captain and six others, now under the custody of the Turtle Island police.
Yesterday evening, the impounded vessel and crew were turned over to the PNP Maritime Group in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi.
“The Philippine Navy and Philippine Marines will further intensify the conduct of maritime patrol to thwart illegal fishing activities in the Philippine waters and protect the intruders from becoming victims of abduction and other sea crimes,” Lt. General Vinluan said. (Melo M. Acuña)
Vietnamese fishermen arrested in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi. (AFP Western Command handout photos)
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