By CESAR JOLITO III

A 42-year-old Chinese national without identification and travel documents was reported at the E.B. Magalona Seaport in Barangay Mantaangan on Tuesday, April 28.

According to a report, the incident occurred around 9:00 a.m. but was only formally reported at about 11:00 p.m. of the same day.

The individual, a male resident of Urumqi, China, allegedly attempted to board a vessel bound for Ajuy, Iloilo.

Personnel of FF Cruz Shipping Corporation informed authorities that the foreign national presented himself as a passenger and requested to be allowed to board the vessel.

However, during verification and interview, he admitted that he no longer had any identification or travel documents.

The man claimed that his documents and personal belongings were lost in a hotel in Makati City as far back as 2018.

He further stated that he has been staying in various parts of the Philippines, including Luzon, Cebu and Dumaguete City, for nearly eight years.

As of reporting, the Chinese national remains under the custody of FF Cruz Shipping Corporation at the port area in Barangay Mantaangan.

Authorities have already coordinated with the Bureau of Immigration in Bacolod City for proper documentation, verification and further disposition of the individual./CJ, WDJ