The Philippine News Agency (PNA) said that the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) discovered 13 undocumented Chinese workers aboard the dredger Harvest 89 during a pre-departure inspection in Mariveles, Bataan, earlier this week.
Initially, 9 undocumented Chinese crew members were found, despite the ship manifest listing only 8 Filipino crew members.
A subsequent inspection uncovered 4 more Chinese nationals hiding on the dredger, said PNA.
The inspection was conducted after the vessel’s agent notified the PCG of its planned departure for dredging operations in San Felipe, Zambales.
The PCG is now coordinating with relevant government agencies to investigate and take legal action.