CABUGAO, Ilocos Sur – The Philippine Navy arrested on Thursday 17 Vietnamese fishermen for alleged poaching at the West Philippine Sea off Dile Point, Vigan City, Ilocos Sur.
Navy commander Ronnie Paba, chief of the Naval Task Group 11.1, identified the suspects as Tran Huu Trung, Bui Van Liem, Le Tien, Bui Van Luom, Huynh Hgoe Tuan, Le Than Trung, Tran Hoang Kim, Va An;
Phan Haui Tuy, Nguger Van Phoung, Ngryan Dy Fuong, Vo Thien, Dink Thien Son, Nguyen Gio, Hyunh Thanh Thang, Do Thenh Lai, and Tran Huu Phuc.
The Navy apprehended the suspects after they spotted their fishing vessels equipped with super lights in Philippine territory early Thursday morning.
“Actually, we spotted seven Vietnamese fishing vessels in the vicinity but the four others were able to escape while we are accosting them,” Paba said.
According to Paba, the suspects face charges for illegal poaching and illegal entrant after they they failed to show documents allowing them to venture in Philippine coastal waters.
The suspects and their three boats have been taken to Fort Salomague here for initial documentation and inventory by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources.
Lieutenant Junior Grade Bernard O. Sabado, spokesperson of the Naval Forces Northern Luzon based in Poro Point, San Fernando City, La Union, said the 17 fishermen will be transferred to their headquarters for the filing of charges. (Freddie G. Lazaro)