Photo: Republika News/Izel Abanilla 

MANILA, Philippines – Three individuals were nabbed by operatives of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) for alleged piracy in Philippine waters. 

NBI Director Jaime Santiago said a representative from Hong Kong River Engineering Co., Ltd sought their help to recover their missing vessel identified as M/Tug “ASL Prosper” and arrest those who illegally seized the vessel. 

According to an authorized representative of the Hong Kong River Engineering Co., Ltd, PENCON8 Salvage Corporation, a local salvage company, published an article in the People’s Journal maliciously claiming that M/Tug ASL Prosper is abandoned and a hazard to navigation in November 2024.  

Hong Kong River Engineering Co., Ltd. then sent a letter to the District Commander of Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) North-Western Luzon to inform that M/Tug Asl Prosper is not abandoned. 

Despite the letter, the Sual Pangasinan Station Commander issued an Emergency Salvage Permit in favor of PENCON8. 

On December 17, 2024, three individuals boarded the vessel and threatened its crew that cases will be filed if they refuse to leave. 

Out of fear, the watchmen disembarked from the vessel. 

On January 3, an information was received that the vessel was sighted at the Navotas Fishport Complex Pier 4. The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Substation Commander said that M/T Magilas indeed arrived at their port from Sual, Pangasinan and has M/T ASL Prosper in tow.  

The three who were found to be connected to a different shipping corporation were arrested after they failed to present any proof of authority to board and possess ASL Prosper.