MANILA,Philippines — Four officers and six crewmembers of a Liberian-registered vessel were held after they allegedly unloaded tons of a toxic substance at the Cabangan Wharf in Zambales on Friday.
Among those arrested were Danny Banes and Clifford Calingacion, sailing master and second officer of M/V Dayang Century, respectively; a Chinese sailing master and a chief officer, whose names were not immediately available, and six crewmembers.
A team composed of personnel of the Philippine Coast Guard and agents of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) arrested the suspects, who were reportedly caught unloading phosphogypsum at the wharf, according to PCG spokesman Capt. Armand Balilo.
The suspects were brought to the NBI headquarters in Manila for proper disposition.
Quoting the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the PCG said the substance contained radioactive elements.
According to Wikipedia, phosphogypsum is a waste by-product from the production of fertilizer from phosphate rock.
The vessel reportedly came from South Korea.
Balilo said they received information about the vessel’s activity in the area, prompting them to conduct the search.
The vessel’s officers reportedly failed to present a permit to unload shipment.