PCG probes PH vessel over undeclared Chinese crew

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is investigating the MV Sangko Uno, a Philippine-registered dredging vessel, for allegedly undeclared Chinese crew members.

The vessel's dredging activity in Mindoro Island and Manila Bay is legal, but the PCG found that Chinese nationals onboard were working with only tourist visas and were not declared in the vessel's manifesto.

An initial operation on September 16 led to the apprehension of five Chinese crew members and one Filipino-Chinese translator.

A follow-up operation on September 17 resulted in the discovery of two more Chinese crew members and two Filipinos, bringing the total apprehended to 10.

The PCG noted that the vessel's master did not include the Chinese crew's names in the master's declaration of safe departure during an inspection.

If found to have violated immigration laws, the crew members could face deportation, and their company may incur fines and penalties.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and the Chinese Embassy will be notified about the incident.