20 Vietnamese held by Philippines for poaching

Manila, April 13 (IANS) At least 20 Vietnamese fishermen have been nabbed by the Philippine Navy for poaching sea turtles.

A navy patrol ship Thursday apprehended the Vietnamese fishermen off Balabac town in Palawan, Xinhua reported.

Major Neil Estrella, spokesman of the military's Western Command, said a Philippine Navy patrol ship was dispatched to Martinez Point after receiving information from residents about the presence of a "suspicious vessel".

The navy ship intercepted the fishing vessel about 18 km off Martinez Point and found 20 live sea turtles inside.