The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has seized a Vietnamese fishing vessel off the waters of Palawan.

Capt. Armand Balilo, PCG spokesman, said BRP Sindangan apprehended the fishing vessel with bow NR. TG-924114-S at 31.2 nautical miles east off Mangsee Island, Balabac, Palawan.

“Upon apprehension, personnel of MRRV-4407 conducted boarding procedures and found several pieces of sharks onboard the said Vietnamese fishing vessel,” he said.

The apprehension of the Vietnamese fishing vessel was reported by BRP Sindangan to Coast Guard District Palawan around 9:11 am Thursday.

The MRRV-4407 with the apprehended Vietnamese fishing vessel arrived at Puerto Princesa City Pier around 8 am.

Balilo said Coast Guard medical team conducted initial medical assessment on the eight fishermen while on the vessel. Robina Asido/DMS

He said the fishermen were brought to City Health Office in Palawan for full medical exam.

Balilo said an emergency meeting will conducted by Provincial Committee on Illegal Entrants (PCIE) for the custody and disposition of the Vietnamese fishermen and their vessel. Robina Asido/DMS