The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) confirmed on Monday, Sept. 16, that it has discovered alleged undocumented Chinese crew members of a dredger anchored in Navotas City.
The PCG said that it caught five Chinese and a Filipino-Chinese national who are allegedly working onboard MV Sangko Uno, a dredger registered under the Philippine flag, without the necessary documents.
The intelligence-driven operation was carried out around 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 15, at the Navotas Port.
“The crew said they will present their legal documents and passports today, 16 September 2024, upon acquiring such from their company office that is only open during office hours,” the PCG said.
The Chinese crew’s identities were not divulged pending results of the PCG’s investigation.
The PCG coordinated with the Bureau of Immigration (BI) to assist in verifying the legal status of the vessel’s crew.
It will also inform the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Chinese Embassy “for diplomatic communication regarding concerned crew.”
“The PCG has collected relevant documents, including the crew list, ship's logbook, and other available records for investigation purposes. If found guilty of violating Philippine immigration laws, the concerned crew will undergo deportation process,” it said.
“Moreover, there shall be inquiries regarding the company’s legal obligations to the concerned crew who were not declared on the crew list. If found guilty of violating maritime and immigration regulations, the company will face appropriate fines or penalties,” it added.
MV Sangko Uno is being guarded by the PCG at the Navotas Port where it will remain until the completion of the investigation.