A joint team of policemen, soldiers and Coast Guard personnel seized over the weekend a Vietnamese vessel while it was illegally fishing in Tawi-Tawi.
The seizure of the unmarked vessel came as the government team conducted maritime patrol in sea waters off Great Bakunggan, Langaan and Boan Islands in Turtle Islands, Tawi-Tawi.
During inspection, authorities discovered the vessel was manned by four Vietnamese crew members without legal documents.
The vessel also unearthed a drum and three pails of sea cucumber.
The boat was towed to the Coast Guard Sub-Station Great Bakunggan for investigation and was later impounded in Bongao for the filing of appropriate charges.
“We encourage each and every Filipino citizen to immediately report to the proper authorities any illegal fishing activity in their area,” said Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, commander of the Armed Forces Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom).
“Let us be more vigilant and contribute in the conservation and protection of our natural resources,” Sobejana added.
He also asked barangay officials to take the lead in the intensified campaign for sustainable peace and development during a meeting with local officials of Mapun, Tawi-Tawi.
“The strength of our nation is as good as its weakest barangays. Do not think that you are just barangay captains, you are nothing in the government structure,” Sobejana said.
“You have an enormous role in the security campaign, and you must strive to implement what good plans you have for the common good,” he added.
The Wesmincom commander further urged local officials to set a good example, as the local government and the security sector work for peaceful and economically developed communities.
Charles Lao, officer in charge of the Office of the Mayor of Mapun, said it was the first time for the Wesmincom leadership to talk with local officials and the community.
“We are very much honored to have Sobejana and his staff. We want to extend our heartfelt and profound gratitude to you, for sharing with us your wisdom and for addressing all our concerns despite our location,” Lao added.
Fifteen barangay officials joined the dialogue held at the Mapun Municipal Hall on Sunday.