Taiwan fisherman held by Philippines calls for rescue

TAIPEI - A fisherman of Taiwan held by Philippine Coast Guard officers called home for rescue on Thursday, saying he was treated cruelly.

Tsai Po, a fisherman from Pingtung, Taiwan, left shore on a large rubber raft on Sept 2 and was taken by Philippine Coast Guard officers while sleeping on Sept 3.

Tsai said the officers pointed a gun to his head and ransacked the raft. Handcuffed, he was forced to kneel down for four hours. He went without food for a day and a night.

The fisherman asserted he did not cross into Philippine waters. He has already been in contact with Taiwan's foreign affairs authorities.

The incident occurred four months after a fatal shooting of another Taiwan fisherman by Philippine Coast Guard officers in May, which prompted Taiwan sanctions against Manila.

Tensions eased after Philippine authorities recommended filing homicide charges against the eight Philippine Coast Guard officers involved in the shooting.