Military to send home Vietnamese poacher

February 10, 2020

A Vietnamese poacher will return to his country after being treated at a military hospital in Zamboanga City.

Major Arvin Encinas, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Western Mindanao Command spokesman,  identified the Vietnamese as Dang Canh.

"Canh is the Vietnamese fisherman confined at Camp Navarro Station Hospital located in Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City, since January 1, 2020, due to injuries incurred while illegally fishing in the waters off Turtle Island, Taganak, province of Tawi-Tawi," he said.

Encinas said during his confinrment Canh was visited by WestMinCom chief Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana on Sunday.

"We are extending our humanitarian assistance to ensure that Mr. Canh is in the best of health before we turn him over to the proper authorities," Sobejana said.

“We are still waiting for the representation from the Vietnam government before his release," he added.

Encinas said the coordination between Vietnam and Philippine government is being conducted to fix the documents of Canh.

"The WestMinCom commander accompanied the representative of Canh's employer (Huyanh Khanh Trief) who visited the command to discuss matters pertaining the release of the fisherman," he said.

Encinas said "Huyanh Khanh Trief said they want to help in any legal way for the repatriation of the fisherman."

“My appreciation and heartfelt thanks to WestMinCom, the doctors, and the entire Armed Forces of the Philippines for the help they have extended to Dang Canh,” Trief said.

Encinas said Canh will be discharged as soon as the Vietnam government representative arrives. Robina Asido/DMS