Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 20) — The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is investigating a report about a ship operating within the coastal waters of Manila Bay, allegedly carrying a Chinese crew.
In a letter dated Jan. 18 addressed to Hernani Fabia, administrator of Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), Transportation Undersecretary Elmer Francisco Sarmiento ordered the verification of the alleged presence of Chinese crew members aboard the Spectrum Marine and Ship Management Inc.
Based on the website of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, the company is registered as a manning agency to recruit seafarers for vessels with international routes and other related maritime activities.
The DOTr, through its Office for Transportation Security (OTS), scheduled a meeting with Fabia and the agency’s service directors.
“Rest assured of our unwavering commitment to strengthen our partnership in compliance with the requirements of the ISPS (International Ship and Port Facility Security) Code and OTS issuances for a safe and secure maritime transportation system in the country,” the letter read.
