By Bea Bernardo
A Vietnamese vessel was impounded after being caught fishing illegally in Philippine waters last March 23.
In a statement, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) reported that the foreign-flagged vessel was spotted in the waters off Bakungan Island in Tawi-Tawi, while the combined elements of the Marine Battalion Landing Team-6 and Turtle Island Municipal Police Station were conducting a maritime security patrol there.
The fishing vessel was crewed by seven persons: boat captain Hunya Van Day, Cao Van Mih, Lam Tang Hung, Huyuh Tuan Anh, Huyuh Van Cuong, Nguyen Ngoc Hoa, and Vo Van Taun.
The authorities confirmed that the vessel has no clearance from the concerned government agencies to enter Philippine waters.
“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,” Westmincom Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan said.
The impounded vessel and its crew were turned over to the PNP Maritime Group in Bongao for proper disposition
