17 Vietnamese poachers nabbed at West PH Sea

CABUGAO, Ilocos Sur – The Philippine Navy arrested 17 Vietnamese fishermen on board three Vietnamese fishing vessels for poaching at the West Philippine Sea west of Dile Point, Vigan City in Ilocos Sur.

The Vietnamese fishermen were identified 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 fishermen and their vessels were brought to Fort Salomague, Cabugao, Ilocos Sur, for initial documentation and inventory.

Navy commander Ronnie Paba, chief of the Naval Task Group 11.1, said navy operatives spotted the Vietnamese fishing vessels early Thursday equipped with super lights within Philippine territory.

“Actually, we spotted seven Vietnamese fishing vessels in the vicinity but the four others were able to escape while we were accosting them,” Paba said.

The aliens will be charged with illegal poaching and illegal entry after they failed to show documents allowing them to venture into Philippine waters.

Lieutenant Junior Grade Bernard O. Sabado, the spokesman of the Naval Forces Northern Luzon (NFNL) based in Poro Point, San Fernando City, La Union, said the 17 fishermen were transferred yesterday to their headquarters for processing and filing of appropriate charges.