Philippines detains 13 undocumented Chinese nationals on ship, raising security fears

The Philippine coastguard has detained over a dozen undocumented Chinese nationals found aboard a dredging vessel off the coast of Bataan, as experts warn the move could provoke retaliatory measures from Beijing against Filipinos working in China.

Jay Tarriela, a spokesman for the Philippine coastguard (PCG), said on Wednesday the agent of the dredger vessel “Harvest 89” had notified authorities the day before of its coming departure to San Felipe, Zambales, for dredging operations.

“However, when the PCG attempted to board the vessel for a Pre-Departure Inspection and to secure the Master’s Declaration of Safe Departure (MDSD), the agent denied entry, claiming that all necessary documentation was in order. This prompted our personnel to perform a more detailed inspection,” Tarriela said.

“Upon boarding, the PCG composite team discovered nine undocumented Chinese crew members, all without proper documentation,” he said. Four more Chinese crew members found hiding during a follow-up investigation also did not have proper documentation, he added.

A uniform, which Tarriela described as resembling that of China’s People’s Liberation Army, was found in the crew quarters, raising concerns about the intentions of the undocumented individuals.