Two Vietnamese vessels seized in Philippines for illegal fishing

Two Vietnamese-registered fishing boats have been apprehended by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) for operating illegally in the waters off Cagayan province in the Northern Philippines.

The first suspect vessel, identified as BO 96281, was detected by the crew of the PCG-manned BFAR patrol boat MCS 3010 near the town of Calayan shortly after 01:00 local time on Monday, June 3.

BO 96281 attempted to escape as MCS 3010 approached. The fishing vessel reportedly rammed its bow into the patrol boat twice before its crew decided to shut off their engine and surrender themselves to the PCG.

MCS 3010 sustained minor damage in the encounter with the Vietnamese vessel.

Around two hours later in the same area, a second Vietnamese fishing boat, identified as BO 95115, was intercepted and apprehended by PCG and BFAR units.

A total of 11 Vietnamese fishermen have since been taken into Philippine government custody pending the filing of appropriate charges.