13 Illegal Chinese Crew Found Aboard Philippine Dredger In Bataan

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) found 13 undocumented Chinese nationals aboard a dredger in Mariveles, Bataan, during a routine inspection on November 26, 2024.

The Harvest 89 was scheduled to leave for San Felipe, Zambales, for dredging work, but the inspection revealed more than expected.

The shipping agent notified the PCG of the dredger’s planned departure. When the officers tried to board the vessel for a pre-departure inspection, the agent refused entry, saying everything was in order.

This raised suspicions, so the Coast Guard decided to inspect the ship more thoroughly. Upon boarding, the PCG team found nine Chinese crew members who didn’t have the proper documents.

The ship’s crew manifest only listed eight Filipino workers, but according to Philippine law, all crew members on domestic vessels must be Filipino.

During a follow-up inspection, the PCG found four additional Chinese nationals hiding on the vessel, bringing the total to 13.

The inspection also found a uniform that looked like the ones worn by China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA), raising suspicions about the situation.

The Coast Guard is now working with other government agencies to investigate how these Chinese workers ended up on the Philippine-flagged ship. They are also seeking legal action to ensure that undocumented crew members are held accountable.

The PCG said it remains committed to safeguarding the country’s maritime borders and ensuring all ships adhere to the regulations.

Reference: PNA, Tribune