20 Vietnamese fishermen caught poaching off Palawan

One of the vessels of Vietnamese fishermen caught poaching off Mangsee Island in Palawan last Saturday, May 19, 2018. (Photo from Western Command)

Two fishing vessels with 20 Vietnamese fishermen were caught poaching off Mangsee Island in Palawan last May 19, the military said on Wednesday.

A Philippine Navy patrol craft conducting maritime patrol apprehended the vessels for poaching, as authorities found dead sharks and stingrays in the boats, according to Capt. Cheryl Tindog of the Western Command.

Dead sharks found in the vessels of Vietnamese fishermen caught poaching off Mangsee Island in Palawan last Saturday, May 19, 2018. Authorities also found stingrays aboard the Vietnamese fishermen’s vessels. (Photo by Western Command)

“Found in their custody were 54 sharks and stingrays,” she said. “Our Navy vessel escorted them to Puerto Princesa where they were turned over to proper agencies for proper disposition.”

The Vietnamese nationals were subsequently brought to the provincial prosecutor for inquest on Tuesday.            /kga