Navy detains Taiwanese poachers

Navy detains Taiwanese poachers

MANILA (AFP): The Philippine Navy detained a Taiwanese vessel
caught illegally fishing in territorial waters off the northern
province of Cagayan, officials said yesterday.

Three Taiwanese and seven Filipino crew members on the boat,
with the markings "Ta Shen," were charged with illegal fishing
after a naval task force arrested them Monday off the coast of
Santa Ana town, 440 kilometers north of here, said Vice Admiral
Pio Carranza.

Carranza, quoting a report by Commander Onofre Marcelo of the
navy district in Cagayan, said that the crew were also charged
with violating other Philippine maritime laws when they were
unable to present working permits and fishing licenses.

The boat also lacked appropriate safety equipment, he said.
The report did not specify what was aboard the vessel or from
where it had originated.