8 Vietnamese crew of Philippine ferry arrested in Tawi-Tawi

Eight Vietnamese crewmen of a Philippine-registered ferry boat were arrested in Turtle Island, Taganak, Tawi-Tawi, according to the military's Western Mindanao Command.

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 apprehended last April 3 while they were onboard the F/B Amina.

The Amina was owned by a Mr. Al-Amin Ismael.

According to a report filed by the officer-in-charge of the Turtle Island municipal police station, the Vietnamese nationals were arrested while their vessel was at the waters between Taganak and Boan Island.

“The report is in relation to our campaign against illegal poaching,” said Turtle Island Mayor Mohd Faizal Jamalul.

"My team, composed of PNP personnel and municipal employees, was heading to Boan Island to distribute relief goods when we spotted the alleged Vietnamese vessel in the area which prompted us to conduct an interrogation," the mayor added.

While the matter was being investigated the F/B Amina was temporarily being held near the Taganak shoreline.

“We are consolidating all necessary documents for the filing of appropriate charges against the apprehended personalities,” said WestMinCom chief Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana. “Convergence and lateral coordination are very vital to ensure security posture and address challenges in our maritime domain.” — DVM, GMA News