PCG seizes 2 Vietnamese fishing boats off Cagayan, crewmen held

MANILA, Philippines — Two Vietnamese fishing boats were seized by the Philippine Cost Guard (PCG) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) for operating illegally off the coast of Cagayan.

The vessels’ crewmen were brought to BFAR –Cagayan Valley for investigation, PCG spokesperson Capt. Arman Balilo said on Monday.

The MCS 3010, a BFAR vessel manned by the PCG, spotted the first Vietnamese fishing boat BO 96281 past 1 a.m. near Calayan, Cagayan on Saturday.

Photo courtesy of Philippine Coast Guard

“When the PCG tried to approach it, the Vietnamese vessel tried to escape,” Balilo said.

The Vietnamese boat hit the Philippine vessel twice before the five crewmen and captain were arrested.

The Philippine vessel was also damaged because of the incident.

At 3 am. on the same day, Vietnamese boat BO 95115 was also seized, following pursuit operations.

Photo courtesy of Philippine Coast Guard

Four crew members and the captain were arrested.  (Editor: Gilbert S. Gaviola)