3 foreign-manned ships in Manila flagged over irregularities —PCG

Authorities flagged three foreign-manned vessels at Manila Anchorage Area over some irregularities, according to the Philippine Coast Guard on Monday.

In a statement, the PCG said inspections were conducted in MV Huagan 98, MV An Da Kang 3689, and MV Shingping 007 on March 20.

MV Huagan

Authorities found out that MV Huagan 98 boarded an unaccounted Chinese crew and committed regulatory non-compliance, according to the PCG.

“Authorities found no Chinese nationals onboard. However, a vessel calendar indicated the presence of seven Chinese crew members as of 19 March 2025. A review of the logbook revealed that eight Chinese nationals mysteriously disembarked before dawn on 20 March 2025,” the PCG said.

“Despite existing MARINA regulations limiting foreign crew members to supernumerary roles for a single voyage without prolonged stay onboard, all Chinese nationals were assigned official designations,” it added.

The PCG said the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) also flagged MV Huagan 98 for misrepresentation issues and is summoning the shipping company.

MV Huagan 98’s master also denied the presence of Chinese nationals, contradicting logbook records.

Safety and security concerns were also raised as MV Huagan 98 has no domestic shipping operation certificate and a functional CCTV system.

MV An Da Kang 3689

According to PCG, MV An Da Kang 3689 committed illegal manning and crew turnover violations.

Nine Chinese nationals were improperly assigned as crew members despite MARINA’s regulations allowing only supernumeraries for knowledge transfer.

The DOLE flagged contract violations, as Chinese crew members were authorized to work in Zambales but were operating in Manila waters.

According to the PCG, MV An Da Kang 3689’s crew violated proper turnover procedures, with outgoing personnel abandoning their posts before the arrival of replacements.

The vessel also lacked a domestic shipping operation certificate.

MV Shingping 007

Meanwhile, MV Shingping 007 was flagged over questionable crew designations and regulatory red flags, the PCG said.

Twelve Chinese nationals were onboard the ship. Their official designations as “technicians” did not match their Alien Employment Permits (AEPs), according to the PCG.

The DOLE has warned that this issue could result in the revocation of the ship’s AEPs.

The PCG noted that MV Shingping 007 has the same manning irregularities with MV An Da Kang 3689.

“The PCG and its partner agencies remain steadfast in ensuring compliance with Philippine maritime laws. Appropriate legal actions will be pursued against the erring shipping companies, and vessel operators found violating labor and immigratiason policies,” it said.

“This joint inspection stresses the government’s unwavering commitment to maritime security, crew welfare, and regulatory enforcement within Philippine waters,” it added.

Other agencies involved in the operation were Bureau of Immigration (BI), Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), DOLE, and National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA). —Joviland Rita/AOL, GMA Integrated News