RP detains 18 Malaysian fishermen

RP detains 18 Malaysian fishermen

ZAMBOANGA, Philippines (AFP): Philippine marines arrested 18
Malaysian fishermen aboard seven boats after they strayed into
the country's southern waters over the weekend, the military said
yesterday.

The marines were on patrol when they apprehended the
Malaysians off Langaan island in the Tawi-Tawi island group, the
military's Southern Command said in a report.

It said the boats with the 18 crewmen aboard were brought to a
wharf here where they could be charged with illegal entry and
fishing without a permit.

Residents of the southernmost provinces of the Philippines
have often crossed into the nearby Malaysian state of Sabah to
trade or find employment. Malaysians have often strayed into
Philippine waters to fish.