The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) discovered 13 undocumented Chinese nationals aboard the dredger vessel Harvest 89 while it was anchored in Mariveles, Bataan, last Tuesday, November 26.
Operatives from the Coast Guard Substation in Limay, Bataan, conducted an onboard inspection of the vessel, leading to the discovery of the 13 individuals at noon that day.
The PCG stated that an agent of Harvest 89 notified them that the vessel was about to depart and proceed to San Felipe, Zambales, for a dredging operation.
However, when the PCG attempted to board the vessel for a pre-departure inspection and to secure the Master’s Declaration of Safe Departure (MDSD), the agent denied entry, claiming that all necessary documentation was in order. This prompted personnel from CGS-Limay to perform a more detailed inspection.
Upon boarding, the PCG composite team discovered nine undocumented Chinese crew members, all without proper documentation.
Further investigations revealed that the crew manifest listed only eight Filipino crew members.
The PCG then conducted a follow-up inspection, during which four more undocumented Chinese nationals were found hiding.
The undocumented Chinese nationals were identified as Lou Xian Ming, 56; Jiang Hai Gng, 48; Chen Yu, 40; Zhu Zhengli, 59; Zhou Zhi, 48; Zhou Chang Gui, 51; Li Chun Liang, 45; Vong Qing Shan, 48; Wang Yu Man, 51; Wei Xue Yu, 49; Zhou Jib In, 49; Cheng Qing Yu, 48; and Hua Ming Qing, 50.
Moreover, PCG operatives also discovered a uniform resembling that of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) on board, which raised significant concerns regarding the intentions of the individuals.
The PCG is currently coordinating with relevant government agencies to investigate the circumstances surrounding the presence of these Chinese nationals. Philippine authorities are now considering possible legal actions against the individuals.
