KOTA KINABALU: Philippine coast guards detained 11 individuals, comprising eight Chinese nationals and three Malaysians, for entering their waters illegally from Sabah.
The eleven individuals, comprising nine men and two women, who had been vacationing in Semporna, on Sabah’s east coast, were reportedly fishing on two motorised speedboats in Malaysian waters when the incident occurred.
They were apprehended near Tugayo Hunasan, Sitangkai, Tawi-Tawi, during a joint operation involving the Tawi-Tawi Maritime Police Station, Marina Tawi-Tawi, and the Philippine Navy.
“According to their statements, they were tourists who had been vacationing in Semporna, Sabah, and were reported to be fishing in Malaysian waters when they unintentionally crossed into Philippine territory,” said PNP Maritime Group in a statement posted on its Facebook page on Sunday (Sept 1).
The Philippine authorities identified the Chinese nationals as Wen Wen Long, Gao Yao, Wang Hua Jun, Wu Mingming, Xia Peng, Yang Yong, Dang Jin Ling, and Chen Qiu Ping, while the Malaysians were named as Tein Kak Vui, Chok Sau Ming, and Lee Chee Kiong.
Their unauthorised entry into Philippine waters is a violation of the country’s immigration and maritime laws.
As per standard procedures, the foreign nationals and their vessels were escorted to the headquarters of the 24th Marine Company in Panglima Alari, Sitangkai, Tawi-Tawi.
They were subsequently transferred to Bongao, Tawi-Tawi, where they are currently in the custody of the Bureau of Immigration for further investigation and documentation in accordance with the country’s legal protocols.
The PNP Maritime Group stressed its commitment to safeguarding the nation’s maritime borders and ensuring that all individuals entering the Philippines are properly documented and processed according to the law.
This operation is part of the PNP Maritime Group’s broader Salbabida Project, which focuses on environmental protection, resource conservation, and the prevention of illegal activities, including unauthorised entry into the country.
The PNP Maritime Group, in collaboration with other maritime authorities, will continue to uphold Philippine laws and protect the nation’s sovereignty with vigilance.
Efforts to contact the Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) and Sabah police for comments are ongoing.
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