7 Vietnamese fishers held off Currimao

CURRIMAO, Ilocos Norte, Oct. 9- Government authorities arrested seven Vietnamese fishermen  off Currimao shores yesterday for alleged illegal entry in Philippine territory.

Commander John B. Montes reported that his crew intercepted the foreign fishing vessel , 33 nautical miles west of Currimao.

When interrogated,  the Vietnamese fishermen failed to present any pertinent documents, said Tannagan.

The Vietnamese were taken to the Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital and Medical Center in Batac City for physical and medical examination.

Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) personnel inspected the vessel and found inside a manta ray, tuna, and shark’s fins.

The Vietnam Embassy in Manila sent an interpreter to assist the Vietnamese fishermen. They explained that they reached Philippine waters because they evaded tropical storm “Kabayan”.

Sources said they will be freed to return to their country for humanitarian reason. (Freddie G. Lazaro)