4 Taiwanese Arrested in Philippines for Littering from Yacht, 2 Wanted in Taiwan for Fraud and Drug Trafficking

Central News Agency Report

(CNA reporter Lin Hsing-chien, Manila, April 14) - The Philippine Coast Guard discovered a stranded yacht in Manila Bay and conducted an inspection after detecting illegal waste dumping from the vessel, leading to the arrest of four Taiwanese nationals. Further investigation revealed that two of the individuals are fugitives wanted in Taiwan for fraud and drug trafficking.

According to a statement released by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), on the 3rd, a yacht was found stranded near the reclaimed area of Pasay City in Manila Bay. Subsequent surveillance confirmed that waste was being illegally discarded from the yacht, prompting authorities to board and inspect the vessel.

During the initial inspection, foreign nationals were found on board, prompting the PCG to notify the Philippine Bureau of Immigration (BI) to verify identities. It was discovered that all four individuals had prior adverse records with the Philippine immigration authorities and were listed as 'undesirable aliens.'

Under the framework of Taiwan-Philippines cooperation in combating cross-border crime, the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines conducted further checks and confirmed that two of the four were wanted by Taiwanese judicial authorities for fraud and drug-related charges. The office alerted Philippine authorities to exercise caution regarding personal safety during subsequent enforcement actions.

On the 11th, the Philippine Coast Guard, together with immigration agents, boarded the yacht again and took the four individuals to the immigration office for further questioning.

The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines informed CNA today that it sent personnel on the 12th to visit and assess the situation. The four individuals claimed to the office that they had filed customs declarations in the Philippines but had not yet received approval.

The Philippine Bureau of Immigration is currently investigating whether the four are involved in any other cases in the country. If no additional charges are found, deportation procedures will be initiated. Additionally, due to suspected violations of marine environmental protection laws, the Philippine Coast Guard may impose heavy fines on the individuals. (Editor: Wei Shu) 1150614

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