The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) plans to pursue legal action against 13 undocumented Chinese workers and Filipino crew members apprehended aboard dredger vessel Harvest 89 during a pre-departure inspection in Mariveles, Bataan.
According to a PCG report released Wednesday, the inspection was initiated after an agent of the vessel notified authorities of its planned departure for San Felipe, Zambales, to conduct dredging operations.
However, the agent reportedly denied PCG personnel access, claiming that all documentation was in order. This prompted a more thorough inspection by the Coast Guard from its Limay substation.
During the initial inspection, nine undocumented Chinese crew members were discovered, despite the ship’s manifest listing only eight Filipino crew members. Further investigation uncovered four more Chinese nationals hiding aboard the vessel, bringing the total to 13.
Authorities also found a uniform resembling that of the People’s Liberation Army, raising concerns about the intentions of the undocumented individuals.
The PCG has since coordinated with relevant government agencies to determine the legal and security implications of the incident.
“Legal action has been initiated against the 16 apprehended individuals, 13 Chinese nationals, 2 Filipino crew members, and 1 Chinese agent,” the Coast Guard said in a statement posted on Facebook.
“The 13 undocumented Chinese nationals will be charged under Commonwealth Act No. 613, or The Philippine Immigration Act, specifically Section 37 E,” it added. The arrested foreign nationals are currently being held in Coast Guard detention facilities in Taguig City.
