4 Chinese yachts caught without papers

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Coast Guard “apprehended” on Thursday four yachts allegedly illegally moored at the Manila International Container Terminal (MICT)’s private pier, the PCG reported yesterday.

In a statement, the PCG said the yachts, identified by the MICT as Yue Hai Ming Zhu, Gu Cheng Gang Guan, Le Boss and Yuzhen 8, were moored without “pertinent documents onboard.”

Six Filipino crew members identified as Angelo Casimero, Jerry Magno, Rio Mar Hormillosa, Albert Casimero, Christian Joy Blancaflor and Banadicto Calinyao were onboard the yachts. They claimed to have come from Boracay when they were apprehended.

The PCG said it conducted an operation with the Bureau of Customs (BOC) shortly after receiving reports about the “suspicious” yachts moored at the MICT.

The PCG said that a certain Cristo Uy, corporate secretary of a firm that manages the yacht, arrived at the MICT but also failed to present pertinent documents. Uy claimed the yachts were recently bought by the owner.

In a statement, the BOC said it is drafting an official report prior to issuing a warrant of seizure and detention against the owner of the yachts.