Manila, Dec. 11 (CNA) Philippines coast guard officers have detained two Taiwanese fishing boats for allegedly entering the territorial waters of the Philippines, Taiwan's representative office in that country confirmed Tuesday.
As of the press time, the two ships were being towed toward Mati, capital of Davao Oriental province, the office said.
The boats, registered in Tungkang, Pingtung County, both have Taiwanese skippers.
The Philippines coast guard said it intercepted and boarded the fishing boats Monday and found a large "illegal fishing catch."
Taiwan's representative office in the Philippines confirmed the statement, and said it is making every effort to negotiate with the Philippine government to secure the release of the boats and their crews.
Under Philippines law, the penalty for fishing in the country's waters is a fine of US$100,000 and seizure of the catch, fishing gear and boats.
In addition, the Philippines fishery bureau may impose an administrative fine of between US$50,000 and US$200,000. Failure to pay the fine could result in imprisonment of six to 10 years. (http://is.gd/VQbdlH)
Focus Taiwan
