ZAMBOANGA CITY – Marine troops and policemen have apprehended a Vietnamese fishermen for illegal fishing within the territorial waters of the country, military officials announced.
The Vietnamese fishing boat manned by a seven-man crew was apprehended Tuesday off Bakungan Island in the Turtle Islands municipality, Tawi-Tawi, according to Lieutenant Senior Grade Chester Ross Cabaltera, Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM) information officer.
Cabaltera said that the troops were conducting maritime security patrol when they chanced upon the Vietnamese-owned fishing boat.
Cabaltera said when inspected by the apprehending team, it was found out that fishing boat crew were not carrying any valid document or authority nor do they have any valid reason to enter the Philippine waters.
He said it is unlawful for any foreign person, corporation or entity to fish or operate any fishing vessel in Philippine waters.
He said any entry shall constitute a prima facie evidence that the vessel is engaged in fishing within the country’s territorial waters.
He added that the Vietnamese-owned fishing boat and crewmen were taken to the Turtle Island Municipal Police Station for proper documentation and was then turned over to Police Maritime command in Bongao, the capital town of Tawi-Tawi.
Rear Admiral Toribio Adaci Jr., NFWM commander, has assured that the Fleet-Marine Forces of the Philippine Navy will continue to support other law enforcement agencies in maintaining security and order in the maritime domain of the country. – Nikolai Gonzalo
