On Tuesday, November 26th, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) discovered 13 undocumented Chinese nationals on board the dredging vessel “Harvest 89” anchored near the Bataan coast, and detained them.
According to PCG spokesperson Jay Tarriela, the agent of the dredging vessel “Harvest 89” had informed the authorities the day before that the ship was about to depart for San Felipe in Zambales for dredging operations.
However, when the PCG attempted to board for pre-departure inspection and obtain the Master’s Declaration of Safe Departure (MDSD), the agent refused, claiming that all necessary documents were in order.
After boarding, the PCG composite team found 9 undocumented Chinese crew members who did not have proper identification documents. Tarriela added that during further investigation, 4 hidden Chinese crew members were also found to lack proper identification documents.
Additionally, a set of uniform was discovered in the crew’s quarters, which Tarriela described as similar to the uniform of the Chinese military, raising concerns about the true intentions of these undocumented individuals.
The incident highlights the ongoing issue of undocumented workers and the importance of thorough inspections to ensure maritime security and adherence to immigration laws. The presence of individuals without proper documentation raises questions about potential illegal activities or security threats that need to be carefully addressed by the authorities.
The PCG’s vigilance in detecting and addressing such cases demonstrates their commitment to safeguarding the country’s maritime borders and maintaining order within their jurisdiction. It serves as a reminder of the challenges faced in enforcing immigration policies and protecting national security in the face of evolving threats and transnational crimes.
Efforts to verify the identities and intentions of the detained Chinese nationals are underway, and further actions will be taken based on the outcome of the investigation. The incident serves as a wake-up call for enhanced border security measures and cooperation among relevant agencies to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
As the situation unfolds, the PCG continues to uphold its duty to uphold the rule of law and protect the country’s interests, ensuring that maritime activities are conducted in a lawful and transparent manner. Proper documentation and compliance with regulations are essential to maintaining order and security in the maritime domain, and it is crucial for all parties involved to adhere to legal requirements to avoid complications and potential risks.