MANILA — Vietnamese fishermen were intercepted after encroaching the Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea, a Philippine Navy commander said Wednesday.
The Navy’s last apprehension was in December 2022, according to Western Command director Vice Adm. Alberto Carlos.
“Ang last natin na apprehension is December. Last December, we apprehended yung mga Vietnamese fishermen encroaching on the waters off Pag-asa Island,” said Carlos during the Laging Handa Public Briefing.
Carlos reported cyanide and compressor fishing. However, he did not indicate if foreign nationals did these.
“At yung iba naman, mayroon kami na-monitor na cyanide fishing. Nakumpiska yung mga parapernalia nila pero hindi po natin sila nahugutan at nakatakas na po sila sa kanilang balling ships,” he said.
Carlos said the Navy would keep patrolling the West Philippine Sea with other government authorities to stop illegal fishing.
“Sa illegal fishing, ang amin pong tugon diyan ay pagpapalakas ng ating maritime security operations. Sa pagtututlungan natin with the Philippine Coast Guard and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, nagpapatrolyo ang ating barko,” he said. (Jean Mangaluz © Philippine Daily Inquirer)
