August 16, 2024 | 12:00am
MANILA, Philippines — Criminal charges haven been filed against 20 people caught poaching in Balabac, Palawan, according to the Philippine National Police Maritime Group.
PNP-MARIG director Brig. Gen. Jonathan Cabal said the suspects, including two Malaysians and two Filipinos, were on board a Malaysian-registered vessel that was intercepted in the waters off Barangay Mangsee on Tuesday.
Cabal expressed belief that it was not the first time that the suspects conducted their illegal activities in the country’s maritime territory.
He said the suspects, led by boat captain Totok Allsi, usually conduct their illegal activities at night to avoid detection by maritime personnel.
“They have night vision goggles,” Cabal said.
Probers seized from the suspects 410 kilos of assorted fish, fishing equipment and their vessel.
Charges for violation of Republic Act 10654 or the Philippine Fisheries Code were filed against the suspects.
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