MANILA, Philippines -- Twenty-four Filipino fishermen were arrested by authorities in Sabah for allegedly fishing illegally in Malaysian waters, the Philippine embassy in Kuala Lumpur reported on Thursday.The embassy said the fishermen were on board the F/V Princess when they were arrested off the coast of Kudat, Sabah in April. The vessel’s owner, Janet Policarpio, sought the assistance of the embassy and was assured representation with Malaysian authorities on the fishermen’s case. "This is true with respect not only to the vessel but, more so, to the fishermen themselves, so that they can rejoin their respective families in the Philippines at the soonest possible time," the embassy said in a dispatch to the Department of Foreign Affairs. The hearing has been scheduled for June 4. The embassy said it would immediately dispatch the Assistance-to-Nationals officer handling the case to Kota Kinabalu to attend the hearing on the case. Meanwhile, in Brunei Darussalam, authorities arrested and detained a Filipino traveler transiting through Bandar Seri Begawan en route to Saudi Arabia for possession of a live bullet last May 8. The Philippine embassy in Brunei has warned against carrying amulets or charms made from bullets, a serious offense and in violation of the Arms and Explosives Act of that country. The offense is punishable with imprisonment of not less than five years and not more than 15 years, and three up to 12 lashes. The embassy also reported that another Filipino worker was also arrested by the Singapore Airport Police last May 4 for possession of a live bullet upon her arrival at Changi Airport Terminal 1. She was issued a notice of warning but no arrest was made. Unauthorized possession of ammunition is an offense under Singapore law. | 
