Philippines: Seven alleged pirates are under detention in the Philippines pending trial for the hijacking of the tugboat Asta. The Singapore-registered tugboat Asta was hijacked in the South China Sea on February 6, with 11 of its 12 crew set adrift in a life raft the chief engineer was held by the pirates to operate the vessel. The chief engineer escaped, from the pirates, in the Philippines and went to the local police according to ReCAAP. The Philippines authorities detained seven alleged pirates and they being held in jail in Davao pending trial for kidnapping and illegal detention. Investigations are underway as to whether the Asta was purchased by a local company in the Philippines. [11/03/10]
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