Last week Philippines authorities had detained few Malaysian trawlers for allegedly trespassing the country’s waters. After initial probe some of the trawlers had been released and the remaining two trawlers were released on Monday. Official figure shows that the number of trawlers released is 14 since they were said to have strayed into Philippine waters on Feb 14 and 15.
It is reported that originally together with 14 vessels, about 50 crewmen were also taken into custody. While all the vessels were released, Sandakan Fishing Association chairman Phua Peh Chee Tuesday declined to state the number of crewmen released. According to him the crewmen of the two trawlers which were released Monday were in good health.
It is said that the crewmen and the 14 vessels were held in the Philippine southern island of Taganak for being stared into Philippines waters. Twelve of the trawlers and an undisclosed number of crewmen were released in stages, following negotiations with the Philippine authorities.
