Apprehended Sino ship just seeking refuge from 'Ramil'

MANILA, Philippines - A Chinese cargo vessel which was earlier apprehended off Quezon province on suspicion that it was carrying illegally cut logs turned out to be merely seeking refuge from bad weather due to typhoon “Ramil,” a Navy spokesman said.

Lt. Col. Edgard Arevalo, Navy spokesman, said the Chinese vessel Bao-Feing, with Panamanian registry, which was loaded with 5,764 pieces of logs, was earlier apprehended by the Navy together with the provincial Task Force Bantay Likas Yaman on suspicion that it was carrying illegal cargo.

After a thorough investigation by Task Force Bantay Likas Yaman Puerto Real representative Dennis Guererro, however, Arevalo said the vessel, which has 24 crewmen, has complete documents.

It was en route to China from the Solomon Islands when it encountered harsh weather forcing it to seek shelter in Quezon, he said.

The ship was earlier allowed to sail but its captain, Jiang Zhifeng, preferred to continue their travel today.

Last Oct. 15, government troops seized P1 million worth of illegally cut narra logs off the coast of Mauban town in Quezon.

Maj. Ramon Zagala, deputy chief of the 1st Special Forces Battalion, said they apprehended a motorboat loaded with 8,000 board feet of the rare hardwood from Isabela to be transported to Manila.

The confiscated logs are now in the custody of the Task Force Bantay Likas Yaman in Mauban. – James Mananghaya