5 individuals nabbed for illegally boarding RORO ship off Batangas

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has arrested five individuals who allegedly attempted to illegally board and commit theft on a RORO (Roll-on/Roll-off) vessel off the coast of Bauan, Batangas over the weekend.

In a statement on Sunday, the PCG said the suspects were intercepted while attempting to board a RORO vessel on Saturday night.

Limang indibidwal, naharang ng Philippine Coast Guard sa iligal na pagsampa sa isang nakadaong na barko sa Batangas | via @dzbbsamnielsen pic.twitter.com/lcwdan0cvk

— DZBB Super Radyo (@dzbb) January 4, 2026

At around 10 p.m. Saturday, a PCG team conducted seaborne patrol operations after it received a report about an alleged theft involving an anchored vessel.

Almost two hours later at around 11:50 p.m., the PCG team intercepted a motorbanca anchored near a RORO vessel.

A man was aboard the motorbanca. The PCG also recovered cables from the motorbanca, which it said indicated preparation for illegal activity.

Additional maritime law enforcement personnel were deployed to secure the area and conduct perimeter patrols.

A search of the RORO vessel resulted in the arrest of four more individuals who were unauthorized to be aboard the ship.

The five suspects were brought to the Coast Guard Sub-Station Bauan for documentation and medical examination. The PCG is readying the appropriate charges to be filed against the suspects. — JMA, GMA Integrated News