A BOAT captain and 13 crewmen were arrested for attempt to hijack a boat of a local fishing firm, the police reported on Wednesday, June 14.
Arrested and detained were: Junray Bation, boat captain; and crewmen Richard Calunsag; Reynaldo Macatual; Kanid Abog; Misterio Sualis; Junie Mato; Pantalion Arzaga, Jr.; Nilo Broca; Ramonito Macatual; Cesar Apdua; Rolando Macatual; Nolie Ilogon; Ruben Baylon; and, Ronie Mudja.
The local police said they were arrested by joint coastguard and navy personnel on Tuesday, June 13, near Basilan province a day after they allegedly commandeered a fishing boat of the Universal Canning, Inc.
Investigation showed that the suspects aboard in one of the fishing boat of the canning firm “left the fishing ground where they were conducting fishing operation and taking with them the vessel without the consent of the company.”
Accordingly, the police said the suspects were conducting strike in sympathy to their companions who were charged before the prosecutor’s office after they were arrested by the security personnel of the canning firm for allegedly stealing diesel fuel.
The police said they were arrested after the canning firm sought the assistance of the coastguard and navy to locate the fishing vessel.
The suspects were detained at the Police Station 9 headquarters while appropriate charges are set to be filed against them, the police said. (SunStar Philippines)