By Martin Sadongdong

An injured fisherman who was rescued by the authorities while illegally fishing in the waters off Tawi-Tawi province on New Year’s Eve is now ready to be discharged after receiving treatment from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), a military commander disclosed Monday.

Lieutenant General Cirilito Sobejana, commander of the Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom), said coordination has been made by the Vietnamese government with the Philippines to fix the legal documents of Dang Canh, the injured fisherman.

Canh has been confined at Camp Navarro in Calarian, Zamboanga since January 1 due to injuries he sustained while illegally fishing off Turtle Island in Taganak town.

Canh reportedly broke his right arm and leg while operating a trawling machine during a fishing expedition with two other Vietnamese on December 31.

Military and Philippine Coast Guard personnel had rescued and brought him to Turtle Island regional health unit for immediate treatment before being airlifted to the Navarro General Hospital for further observation.

“We are exending 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.

The WestMinCom chief said he was just awaiting for a representative from the Vietnamese government to fetch Canh before he is released.

Mr. Huyang Khanh Trief, Canh’s employer, visited the command on Sunday to discuss matters related to the release of the fisherman, according to Sobejana.

He said Cahn’s employer expressed gratitude to the Philippine military for the assistance they provided to the Vietnamese fisherman.