PCG to Intensify Inspection of Manila Bay Dredgers After Discovering Illegal Chinese Crew.

Quezon City: The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) will ramp up its inspection efforts on dredging ships operating in the Manila Bay area following the recent discovery of undocumented Chinese nationals aboard a dredger in Bataan, a senior government official announced on Saturday. This decision comes in light of growing concerns about unauthorized activities and the presence of foreign nationals in the region. According to Philippines News Agency, 13 illegal Chinese crew members were found aboard the dredging vessel Harvest 89 in Mariveles, Bataan. The discovery occurred before the ship was scheduled to depart for San Felipe, Zambales, on November 26. During the inspection, officials also found a uniform resembling that of the People's Liberation Army (PLA), raising further questions about the intentions of the Chinese nationals on board. PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea (WPS), Commodore Jay Tarriela, emphasized the need for increased vigilance. He stated at the Saturday News Forum in Quezon City th at the Commandant of the Philippine Coast Guard has instructed all Coast Guard stations covering Manila Bay-from Coast Guard Station Cavite to Coast Guard Station Manila, Zambales, and Bataan-to intensify inspections of dredger vessels operating in the area. The aim is to ensure no Chinese nationals are present on these ships. Further investigation revealed that the vessel Harvest 89 lacked the necessary permits to conduct dredging activities in San Felipe, Zambales. Tarriela highlighted that dredgers operating in Manila Bay should be staffed by Filipino crew members, as they are registered with the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) in the Philippines. He noted that the ship's declaration indicated they employed only Filipino crew and did not disclose the presence of Chinese nationals. In response to the situation, the PCG is working closely with MARINA and the Bureau of Immigration to track down the ship's owner and shipping agency. They plan to pursue legal action against the illegal aliens involved. C urrently, the vessel Harvest 89 is being detained by the PCG as investigations continue.