The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) responds to an incident involving the alleged undocumented Chinese crew on board MV Sangko Uno at Navotas Port at around 6PM yesterday, 15 September 2024.

The Coast Guard response team confirmed that there are five Chinese nationals and one Filipino-Chinese national who are allegedly undocumented. 

The crew said they will present their legal documents and passports today, 16 September 2024, upon acquiring such from their company office that is only open during office hours.

Meanwhile, the PCG coordinated with the Bureau of Immigration (BI) to assist in verifying the legal status of the concerned crew. 

The PCG has collected relevant documents, including the crew list, ship's logbook, and other available records for investigation purposes. If found guilty of violating Philippine immigration laws, the concerned crew will undergo deportation process.

Moreover, there shall be inquiries regarding the company’s legal obligations to the concerned crew who were not declared on the crew list. If found guilty of violating maritime and immigration regulations, the company will face appropriate fines or penalties. 

The PCG is set to inform the Department of Foreign Affairs, Republic of the Philippines (DFA) and the Chinese Embassy for diplomatic communication regarding concerned crew.

MV Sangko Uno shall remain at Navotas Port until the investigation is completed.

[Progress report to follow]