MANILA, Philippines—Eight Vietnamese crewmen of a Philippine-registered boat were arrested in Turtle Island in Tawi-Tawi for alleged poaching, the military said on Monday (April 6).
Tran Van Phuc, Nguyen Thanh Doan, Nguyen Thanh Tung, Tran Thanh Luy, Thach Trong, Nguyen Trung Hieu, Nguyen Tan Luc, and Nguyen Van Kham were onboard FB Amina when they were arrested on April 3, the Western Mindanao Command said in a statement.
Citing a report from the Turtle Island Municipal Police Station, the Wesmincom said the boat was in waters between Taganak and Boan Island when it was apprehended.
“The report is in relation with our campaign against poaching,” Mayor Mohd Faizal Jamalul was quoted as saying.
The crewmen were temporarily held near the Taganak shoreline while an investigation was being carried out.
Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Wesmincom chief, said charges were being prepared against the Vietnamese.