13 undocumented Chinese found in vessel off Bataan

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Tuesday found 13 undocumented Chinese nationals when it inspected a dredger vessel anchored off Mariveles, Bataan.

Commodore Jay Tarriela, PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, identified the undocumented foreigners as Luo Xian Ming, 56; Jiang Hai Gng, 48; Chen Yu, 40; Zhu Zhengli, 59; Zhou Zhi, 48; Zhou Chan Ggui, 51; Li Chun Liang, 45; Gong Qing Shan, 48; Wang Yu Man, 51; Wei Xue Yu, 49; Zhou Jib In, 49; Cheng Qing Yu, 48; and Hua Ming Qing, 50.

Tarriela said the crew of Harvester 89 notified the PCG of its departure for its next port of call in San Felipe, Zambales, for dredging operations.

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When the PCG attempted to board the vessel for inspection, its team was “denied entry” by the dredger’s agent, “claiming that all necessary documentation was in order.”

This prompted personnel from the coast guard substation in Limay town to perform a more detailed inspection, according to Tarriela.

“Upon boarding, the PCG composite team discovered nine … Chinese crew members, all without proper documentation,” he said, adding that the crew manifest included only eight Filipino crew members.

During a follow-up inspection, four more undocumented Chinese were found hiding in the vessel.

Tarriela said a uniform resembling that of the People’s Liberation Army was also found on board, “raising significant concerns regarding the intentions of these undocumented individuals.”

Tarriela did not say where the Chinese were held but noted that the PCG was pursuing legal action and coordinating with other government agencies to “ensure the custody of these undocumented individuals.” —Nestor Corrales