By JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL
ZAMBOANGA CITY
A Vietnamese fishing boat was caught while fishing illegally in the Philippine territory recently.
Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) said, “While the combined elements of the Marine Battalion Landing Team-6 and Turtle Island Municipal Police Station were conducting a maritime security patrol in the waters off Bakungan Island in Turtle Islands in Tawi-Tawi, they spotted a foreign-flagged vessel fishing within the Philippine territory.”
According to Lt. Col. Venjie Pendon, Commanding Officer of the MBLT-6, the patrol team approached the vessel and confirmed that it has no clearance from the concerned government agencies to enter the Philippine waters.
The vessel was boarded by seven crew identified as Hunya Van Day (Boat Captain), Cao Van Mih, Lam Tang Hung, Huyuh Tuan Anh, Huyuh Van Cuong, Nguyen Ngoc Hoa, and Vo Van Taun. They were subsequently brought to Turtle Island Municipal Police Station for documentation.
“I commend our marine troops and our partners from the police for your relentless efforts to secure our borders and protect our natural resources,” said Brig. Gen. Arturo Rojas, Commander of the Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi.
Rear Admiral Toribio Adaci, Jr., Commander of the Naval Forces Western Mindanao assured that the Fleet-Marine Forces of the Philippine Navy in this part of the region will continue to support other law enforcement agencies in maintaining security and order in the maritime domain.
The impounded vessel with its crew was turned over to the PNP Maritime Group in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi for proper disposition.
“The Philippine Navy and Philippine Marines 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,” said Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. JIJ
PHILIPPINE MUSLIM TODAY 