Authorities intercept, inspect Chinese fishing vessel in Tawi-Tawi

FV Cheung Kam Wing, a Chinese fishing vessel was intercepted in the waters of Sanga-Sanga, province of Tawi-Tawi on June 26. Photos taken June 26, credit to Naval Forces Western Mindanao

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Zamboanga del Sur – A Chinese fishing vessel was intercepted some 20 nautical miles northwest of Sanga-Sanga town, Tawi-Tawi province on Wednesday noon, naval authorities said.

Lieutenant Chester Cabaltera, spokesperson of the Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM), said the interception was a product of their stepping up maritime patrols and defense operations in the country’s borders.

“They were not caught fishing, they were just passing by the area. Initially they were not responsive to radio communication but an hour later, they responded and allowed our personnel to inspect the boat,” Cabaltera said.

READ: West Philippine Sea: China Coast Guard inching closer to Zambales – report

The fishing vessel has a marking of F/V Cheung Kam Wing. There were four Chinese fishermen on board and they said they came from Indonesia and en route to Hong Kong.

Fish like sardinella (tamban) were discovered inside ice cases and frozen storage of the Chinese fishing vessel FV Cheung Kam Wing.

The NFWM carried out inspection procedures on the vessel and found no violations or irregularities. The fishing vessel was allowed to continue on its journey but remained under monitoring to ensure safety and security in the area, Cabaltera said.

Cabaltera said the unit that performed inspection procedures were personnel from BRP Laurence Narag (Patrol Gunboat 907) that are part of Naval Task Force 61 operating in Tawi-Tawi.

“Upon inspection of the boat, nothing unusual or illegal was found inside. There were fish inside ice cases,” Cabaltera added.