PCG apprehends 4 ‘suspicious’ yachts in MICT over lack of documents

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said it apprehended four yachts in Manila International Container Terminal (MICT) over lack of documents on Thursday.

In a statement on Friday, the PCG said concerned authorities from different agencies inspected the “suspicious” yachts in response to a report that it had received.

Around 2:20 p.m. on Thursday, the joint law enforcement team conducted a pre-operation briefing prior to proceeding to the yachts onboard PCG Metal Shark and PCG Aluminum Boat.

The four suspicious yachts moored at MICT were identified as: Yue Hai Ming Zhu (26.59 meters); Gu Cheng Gang Guan (14.15 meters); Le Boss (around 20 meters);  and Yuzhen 8 (around 16.76 meters).

Onboard the yachts were Filipino crew members who claimed to be from Boracay. They were identified as the following:

Angelo Casimero – boat captain (Yue Hai Ming Zhu)

Jerryco Magno – boat captain (Le Boss)

Rio Mar Hormillosa – crew member

Albert Casimero – crew member

Christian Joy Blancaflor – crew member

Banadicto Calinyao – crew member

Authorities found that the yachts have no pertinent papers onboard, according to the PCG.

Chinese-Filipino Cristo Uy, who claimed to be the corporate secretary of the corporation that managed the yachts, arrived around 3:30 p.m.

Uy failed to present pertinent documents for the yachts, the PCG said.

According to him, the yachts were recently bought by the owner. But, necessary documents were not included in recent transactions.

“Consequently, the subject motor yachts were apprehended,” the PCG said.

The Customs Intelligence and Investigation Services of the Bureau of Customs said it will request the Customs District Collector at the Port of Manila to issue a warrant of seizure and detention. -MDM, GMA News