After being caught fishing in Philippine territory in September, the 17 Vietnamese fishermen were finally allowed to sail home. The send-off was even led by President Rodrigo Duterte out of goodwill due to his recent visit to Vietnam.
Cases filed against the fishermen have been dismissed. In accordance to the memorandum presented by the Department of Justice (DOJ) on October, they will not be blacklisted nor will they be facing penalties and are set to sail home.
The Vietnamese fishermen were caught on the coast of Ilocos Sur aboard 3 fishing vessels on September 8. 5 tons of fish have been confiscated by the authorities.
Due to Duterte’s recent visit to Vietnam, the President ordered the freedom of the 17 men. The cases filed were dismissed on October 7 by the provincial prosecutor of Vigan after hearing their explanation claiming that due to the heavy storms brought by Bagyong Ferdie, their vessels were brought to the area.
The embassy of Vietnam has also written to the country’s Bureau of Immigration seeking assistance for the men.
Furthermore, President Duterte personally handed them the essentials they will need to sail home, such as water, rice and a few vegetables.
17 Vietnamese Fishermen Show Gratitude To President Duterte After Being Allowed To Sail Home
“I would like to express, On behalf of our fishermen and their families our deepest gratitude for allowing them to stay in your home, I am glad to see that all are in good shape as they say farewell to you and depart for home today,” says Vietnamese Ambassador Truong Trieu Duong.
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