The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Bureau of Immigration (BI), Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) conducted joint inspections onboard three foreign-manned vessels at the Manila Anchorage Area on 20 March 2024.

The said operation is in line with President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr's order to strengthen the country's maritime security and domain awareness.

During the inspection, the team concluded the following irregularities:

MV HUAGAN 98: Unaccounted Chinese Crew & Regulatory Non-Compliance

Authorities found no Chinese nationals onboard. However, a vessel calendar indicated the presence of seven (7) 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. 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.

Further findings included:

1. DOLE flagged misrepresentation issues and is summoning the shipping company;

2. The vessel’s master denied the presence of Chinese nationals, contradicting logbook records; and

3. Missing Domestic Shipping Operation Certificate and a non-functional CCTV system raised safety and security concerns.

MV AN DA KANG 3689: Illegal Manning & Crew Turnover Violations

During the inspection of MV AN DA KANG 3689, authorities discovered multiple regulatory breaches:

1. Nine (9) Chinese nationals were improperly assigned as crew members, despite MARINA regulations allowing only supernumeraries for knowledge transfer;

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

3. The crew failed to follow proper turnover procedures, with outgoing personnel abandoning their posts before the arrival of replacements; and

4. The vessel lacked a valid Domestic Shipping Operation Certificate.

MV SHINGPING 007: Questionable Crew Designations & Regulatory Red Flags

The inspection of MV SHINGPING 007 revealed the presence of twelve (12) Chinese nationals whose official designations as “Technicians” did not match their Alien Employment Permits (AEPs). DOLE has warned that this discrepancy could lead to the revocation of their AEPs.

Other findings included:

1. The vessel mirrored the same manning irregularities found onboard MV AN DA KANG 3689; and

2. 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 immigration policies.

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