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.