MARIVELES, Bataan (PIA) — The Authority of Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB) refuted allegations on uncontrolled foreign vessels docking and unloading of 300 Chinese nationals inside the Freeport Area of Bataan (FAB) in Mariveles town.
In a statement, AFAB Administrator Emmanuel Pineda said the AFAB-Incident Management Team and the Philippine National Police (PNP) jointly conducted Tuesday an unannounced inspection of GNPower Mariveles Coal Plant Ltd. Co. (GMCP).
“Only 15 Chinese individuals arrived from Thailand before the declaration of the General Community Quarantine in Manila on March 15, 2020,” Pineda clarified.
He assured the public that the Chinese nationals are currently under quarantine at the second floor of the emergency/quarantine facility for person under monitoring (PUM) within the GMPC compound since their arrival.
“The 15 Chinese individuals are all documented and their arrival was coordinated with the Bureau of Quarantine. The alleged foreign vessels are all legally docking to unload coal while prohibiting its crew members to get off the vessel,” he stressed.
Pineda added that they have already requested the assistance of the Philippine Coast Guard to further intensify their patrolling within the Freeport’s coastal areas.
Moreover, the PNP have heightened presence in the areas around the GMCP facility in order to assist AFAB officials in ensuring the prevention of any illegal entry of both local and foreign nationals.
The public is encouraged to contact AFAB Public Safety and Security Department through 0917-580-1896 for any safety and security concerns.
“We urge the public to be more vigilant on anything posted on social media that has no official or authorized sources and to avoid circulating fake news that might result to panic among the FAB community,” Pineda said.
“The AFAB shall always aim to protect the FAB and its communities against malicious and illegal undertakings,” he furthered.