PUERTO PRINCESA CITY – Thirteen Vietnamese fishers were placed in the custody of the Philippine Navy in El Nido in northern Palawan after they were arrested for poaching and illegal entry on Aug. 29 near Cabulawan Island, Linapacan, according to a preliminary report released Monday by the Western Command.

Wescom spokesperson Lt. Col. Amerigo Fabrigar told newsmen that the Vietnamese were arrested by the Joint Task Force Malampaya’s PG 380 patrol gunboat after a 30-minute chase. Among the assorted catch confiscated were 101 sea turtles.

Fabrigar said he was still awaiting a full report on the incident, including the identification of the Vietnamese.

The foreign vessel, Fabrigar explained, was being towed from Linapacan to El Nido as of press time.

He added that charges of violation of Section 87 of Republic Act No. 8550, or poaching, and illegal entry were being readied against the Vietnamese. Their vessel was identified in the military report as having the marking Bow 91234 TS.

The Vietnamese tried to sink their own vessel after they were intercepted by the Navy gunboat, Fabrigar said, citing a radio report.

“They had removed the drain plug in the engine room, apparently to try to sink their vessel. The Navy personnel used a submersible pump to drain the water. Maybe they were thinking of justifying their presence in Philippine waters by claiming they had boat damage,” Fabrigar said.