Philippines navy arrests 27 fishermen near Palawan

Twenty-seven fishermen believed to be from Hong Kong have been arrested by the Philippines navy.

Lieutenant-Commander Rodolfo Magtira said they were seized on Monday near Fearless Shoal, part of the Balabac municipality off the island of Palawan.

He said live fish, found in large aquariums on the fishing vessel, had been confiscated.

The fish will be tested to determine if they were caught using cyanide.

A Hong Kong Security Bureau spokesman said yesterday: 'We will hold talks with the Chinese Embassy in Manila to find out more details. So far, we have not had any requests for help from the men or their families.' Authorities at the Palawan capital, Puerto Princesa, will consider whether to charge the fishermen with illegal entry.