BFAR, PCG Apprehend Viet Poachers

Fishery law enforcers of the bureau of fisheries and Philippine Coast Guard have apprehended a Vietnamese fishing vessel within vicinity of Dalupiri Island in the Calayan Group of Islands, north of this province.

The vessel, identified as PY96392TS was manned by seven Vietnamese and was apprehended 20.5 NM northwest of Dalupiri close to midnight on Friday, August 17.

According to Atty. Arsenio Bañares, chief of the Fisheries Management, Regulatory and Enforcement Division of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) – Region 02, the fishery law enforcers were on routine patrol mission on-board DA-BFAR MMOV 5001 when they chanced upon the Vietnamese vessel.

Chruschev Paul De Peralta, one of the BFAR enforcers said the vessel was stationary at that time and was conducting fishing operations as evidenced by its light attractants that were lighted.

However, upon approaching the vessel, de Peralta said that its crew tried to evade by turning off their light and cutting their fishing lines.

The Vietnamese, along with their vessel were brought to Port Irene in Sta. Ana, Cagayan, the following day for processing.

Found on the vessel were squid bait and 30 pieces blue marlin and yellow fin tuna.

Bañares said that they have submitted complaint against the foreign fishers at the Provincial Prosecutors Office in Aparri town for violation of Sec. 91 (poaching) of RA 10654.

The accused can be meted with a fine of USD 1.2 million plus 6 months to 2 years and 2 months if found guilty.

The enforcement of fishery laws in one of the priorities of newly installed OIC Regional Director of BFAR RO2, Dr. Nelson B. Bien. (MDCT/Max Prudencio BFAR RO2/PIA-2)