PCG: 13 undocumented Chinese, PLA-like uniform found on dredger in Bataan 

Thirteen undocumented Chinese nationals and a uniform resembling that of China's People’s Liberation Army (PLA) were found on a dredger in Mariveles, Bataan on Tuesday, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said.

In a statement on Wednesday, PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea (WPS) Commodore Jay Tarriela said the Harvest 89 had notified the PCG of its upcoming departure for its next port of call in San Felipe, Zambales, for dredging operations.

When the PCG tried to board the vessel for pre-departure inspection to secure the Master's Declaration of Safe Departure (MDSD), the agent denied entry, claiming that all necessary documentation was in order.

Due to this, the Coast Guard Substation in Limay, Bataan decided to hold 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 included only eight Filipino crew members. During a follow-up inspection, an additional four undocumented Chinese nationals were found hiding, bringing the total to thirteen,” Tarriela said.

“Additionally, a uniform resembling that of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) was found on board, raising significant concerns regarding the intentions of these undocumented individuals,” he added.

Philippine Coast Guard Discovers Undocumented Chinese Nationals Aboard Dredger Vessel Harvest 89

On November 26, 2024, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) successfully conducted an operation that led to the discovery of thirteen undocumented Chinese nationals aboard the dredger… pic.twitter.com/m3GmsOEGOV

— Jay Tarriela (@jaytaryela) November 27, 2024

The PCG is working with concerned government agencies to investigate into the presence of undocumented Chinese nationals.

“Efforts are underway to pursue legal action and ensure the custody of these undocumented individuals,” Tarriela said. — Joviland Rita/BM, GMA Integrated News