BI to deport 10 Chinese passengers of yacht apprehended in Palawan

July 23, 2020

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) said it will initiate deportation proceedings against 10 Chinese nationals who recently arrived aboard a luxury yacht in Puerto Princess City, Palawan without notice and permission from port authorities.

BI Commissioner Jaime Morente ordered the conduct of deportation proceedings against the Chinese crewmen and passengers of the vessel SY Me Li 31 upon learning that elements of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) apprehended the vessel on Monday, 20 July 2020, off the coast of Brgy. Concepcion, Puerto Princesa City.

The BI Chief said that the foreign nationals violated Philippine immigration laws for entering the country without a visa and prior notice, and clearance from the Bureau and other port authorities.

They were identified as Zhang Dengkang, Lin Huawei, Zhou Wei, Xu Yuansen, Lou Xioqiang, Zhao Zhoujin, Chang Liujing, Luo Shui Sheng, Chen Zhen Qi, and Zhao Jian Hui.

BI Seaport Operations Chief Alnazib Decampong explained that existing rules require the agent or operators of all vessels bound for the Philippines, to submit to the Bureau an advance notice of the ship's arrival as well its crew list and passenger manifest.

Decampong said the Chinese nationals may be considered as illegal entrants as they did not apply for entry visas from a Philippine Consulate in their port of origin before sailing to the Philippines.

It was learned that the aliens are now quarantined aboard their yacht that is currently anchored in the waters near the Honda Bay Beach Ressort in Puerto Princesa City.

"They will remain in their ship until they are deported.  We will not allow them to disembark and go ashore, not only for their having no visas, but also because foreigners like them are restricted from entering the country due to COVID-19," Decampong said.

He added that the impounded yacht may be seized and forfeited in favor of the government as provided under the Philippine Immigration Act.