Duterte orders release of Vietnamese caught poaching in West Philippine Sea

VIGAN CITY, Philippines – President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered the release of 17 Vietnamese fishermen caught on September 8 poaching off the West Philippine Sea near Ilocos Sur.

The local office of the Bureau Immigration and Deportation (BID) in Vigan City still has to receive an order from the Department of Justice (DOJ) for the release of the captured Vietnamese fishermen.

Lourdes C. Peñala, the alien control officer of BID Vigan office said the crew is still in the custody of the Vietnamese interpreter residing in the city.  

“We are waiting for the order from DOJ before we give clearance for their release,” Peñala said.

Last Friday, the president ordered the authorities to free the 17 crew members after his two-day visit to Hanoi, Vietnam.

Justice chief Vitaliano Aguirre II has cited the decision of the Duterte as an “act of goodwill” to the Vietnamese government and its people.

Naval Forces Northern Luzon captured the crew on board three Vietnamese fishing vessels at Philippine territorial waters located 21 nautical miles west of Dile Point, Vigan City.

The fishermen were identified as Tran Huu Trung, Bui Van Liem,  Le Tien, Bui Van Luom, Huynh Hgoe Tuan,  Le  Than Trung, Tran Hoang Kim, Va An, Phan Haui Tuy, Nguger Van Phoung, Ngryan Dy Fuong, Vo Thien, Dinh Thien Son, Nguyen  Gio, Hyunh Thanh Thang, Do Thenh Lai and Tran Huu Phuc.

The Vietnamese crew members were charged at the Ilocos Sur’s provincial prosecution office for violating Section 91 of the Republic Act 10654 that amends RA 8550 (Philippine Fisheries Code) for illegal poaching at the country’s coastal waters.