Kota Kinabalu: The Philippine Coast Guard detained 11 individuals – three Malaysians and eight Chinese tourists – for illegally entering Philippine waters from Sabah.
The group, comprising nine men and two women, were reportedly fishing in Malaysian waters near Semporna on two motorised speedboats when they crossed into Philippine territory.
They were apprehended near Tugayo Hunasan, Sitangkai, Tawi-Tawi, during a joint operation involving the Tawi-Tawi Maritime Police Station, Marina Tawi-Tawi and the Philippine Navy.
According to the Philippine National Police Maritime Group, the tourists claimed they were unaware they had crossed into Philippine waters while fishing.
“They said they were vacationing in Semporna and unintentionally crossed into Philippine territory,” said the Maritime Group in a statement posted on its Facebook page on Sunday.
The Chinese nationals were identified as Wen Wen Long, Gao Yao, Wang Hua Jun, Wu Mingming, Xia Peng, Yang Yong, Dang Jin Ling and Chen Qiu Ping, while the Malaysians were Tein Kak Vui, Chok Sau Ming and Lee Chee Kiong.
The foreign nationals and their vessels were escorted to the headquarters of the 24th Marine Company in Panglima Alari, Sitangkai, Tawi-Tawi, before being transferred to Bongao, Tawi-Tawi, where they are currently in the custody of the Bureau of Immigration.
Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Jauteh Dikun confirmed the incident and said they are monitoring the case.
The next steps planned include looking into the tour company responsible for facilitating the illegal border-crossing.
Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) Commander Datuk Victor Sanjos stated readiness to support Sabah police in any follow-up actions, including potential raids, upon request.
Meanwhile, the State Government will not hesitate to take stern action against perpetrators of unauthorised cross-border activity.
State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew issued the warning Tuesday in the wake of reports of unauthorised entry into Philippine waters involving a tour operator and tourists visiting Sabah.
It was alleged that an unlicensed fishing tour operator from Semporna took tourists on a fishing trip to Philippine waters.
“Tour operators should be aware that it is illegal and unlawful to encroach into another country’s territory.
“We (Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment or KePKAS) will request the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (Motac) to revoke the licence of tour operators who are found to have violated the laws,” Liew said, Tuesday.
The Minister denounced the action of tour operators who unnecessarily exposed tourists to danger, putting their safety at risk.
She said KePKAS will fully cooperate with enforcement agencies such as the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) and Marine Police in taking the necessary action against errant tourism players.
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