One of released Georgian seamen again detained in Philippines

Law enforcement bodies of Philippines have detained anew Georgiy Shavishvili, one of earlier released Georgian seamen. This was reported today by Levan Akhvlediani, president of the Georgian-Philippine business association.

The "Caucasian Knot" reported earlier that on August 21 in the Philippine port of Marivels a ship was detained sailing under the guise of Panama with six citizens of Georgia in the crew. Onboard the vessel, local militaries found five boxes with Israel-made automatic rifles "Galil". The captain of the ship, a native of Southern Africa, was arrested, while the crew was accused of transporting weapons. On January 15 the Georgian seamen were completely acquitted. On March 17, they received permit to go home.

According to Mr Akhvlediani, Georgiy Shavishvili was detained at the airport of Manila at the last minute, when the seamen were already before their departure home.

As confirmed by Georgiy Tabatadze, director of the consular department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of Georgia, the Philippine Court had lifted all the charges against the Georgian seamen; therefore, the reason of the new arrest is not known, the "Trend News" reports.

The "Georgia Online" reports, referring to unofficial version, that Shavishvili had close relations with the ship captain, arrested on charge of smuggling weapons.

Under the information at disposal of the agency, other seamen should not have any problems with departure home, and they expect to arrive to Tbilisi by a flight via Doha and Istanbul tomorrow by 6 p.m.

The "Caucasus Online" adds that a representative of the MFA of Georgia is now in Philippines together with Shavishvili with the aim to clear out the circumstances of the case.