MV Zhonhai 68 (Photo courtesy of PCG)
MANILA – The Chinese Embassy in Manila on Wednesday said the dredging ship MV Zhonhai 68, recently seized for illegal presence in Philippine waters, is neither a Chinese vessel nor registered in China.
"Initial investigation on the identity of MV Zhonhai 68 by relevant Chinese authorities has shown that the ship is not registered in China and not a Chinese ship. It is also noted that there was no Chinese national on the dredging ship when it was found," it said in a statement.
Citing information from the International Maritime Organization, the embassy said the ship with an IMO number of 8692665, is under the flag of Sierra Leone.
"The Embassy hopes that any responsible remarks and reports should be based on facts, rather than speculation and misinformation," it said.
It said China would extend further assistance to Philippine authorities on its investigation, if necessary.
The Philippine Coast Guard and the Bureau of Customs seized the dredger for "illegal and unauthorized presence" about 13 kilometers southwest off Orion Point in Bataan province.
Following this, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque earlier urged the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to find out whether the ship was used to illegally acquire natural resources, such as black sand in the country. (PNA)
