An undocumented and overstaying Chinese national was caught at the seaport in Brgy. Mantaangan, EB Magalona, at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, April 28.
The 42-year-old man, who claimed to be from Urumqi, China, was attempting to board an FF Cruz Shipping Corp. vessel bound for Ajuy, Iloilo.
However, he told authorities that his passport, documents, and personal belongings had been lost in a Makati City hotel since 2018.
Commodore Christopher Auro, commander of the Coast Guard District Southern Visayas, stated that the individual was turned over to the Bureau of Immigration (BI).
BI personnel subsequently transported him to Manila via the Bacolod-Silay Airport on Wednesday.
Auro noted that the apprehension aligns with the directive of Admiral Ronnie Gil Latorilla Gavan, Commandant of the Philippine Coast Guard, to tighten security at all ports.
The incident began when FF Cruz personnel alerted the Coast Guard about a foreign national without documentation seeking travel from EB Magalona to Ajuy. In response, the Coast Guard coordinated with the BI and local police.
During interrogation, the man provided conflicting accounts of his travels. He claimed to have traveled from Manila, Bicol, Cebu, and Dumaguete before walking to EB Magalona for a week because he lacked money for fare.
"The foreigner said he had no belongings—only a toothbrush," Auro added.
The man, who speaks English, stated that his goal was to reach Boracay to meet his girlfriend.
The Chinese national will undergo legal proceedings at the BI office in Manila and faces potential deportation.
Auro clarified that, as of now, there is no evidence linking the individual to any criminal syndicates operating in Negros.
However, he stressed that all foreigners traveling within the Philippines must carry their passports at all times.
He also urged shipping firms to remain vigilant and report any unusual activities to law enforcement.*
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