Together with PCG
TACLOBAN CITY — The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has taken custody of a Russian national for further investigation after authorities found inconsistencies in his documents and questioned the circumstances surrounding his entry into the Philippines aboard a sailing yacht that had earlier encountered engine trouble off Samar.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said the yacht INGRID MARMARIS was towed on Aug. 29 to waters off Amandayehan, Basey, Samar, where PCG personnel and an NBI team conducted an inspection of the vessel, its documents and the travel documents of its occupant.
The yacht had earlier required assistance after experiencing engine trouble in waters off Marabut, Samar. PCG search and rescue personnel aboard HSRB-031 began towing operations at about 7:30 a.m. on Aug. 29, bringing the vessel to the vicinity of Amandayehan.
At about 9 a.m., four NBI Tacloban personnel arrived at the PCG Motorpool area. The yacht reached the area off Amandayehan at around 9:20 a.m., according to the PCG progress report.
About an hour later, PCG and NBI personnel boarded the yacht to inspect its documents, verify the identity and travel documents of its occupant, and examine other items relevant to the ongoing investigation.
During the inspection, the NBI team noted several inconsistencies and questionable circumstances in documents presented by Alexey Popov, a Russian national, according to the PCG.
The NBI also raised concerns over the circumstances of Popov’s entry into the Philippines, citing an apparent lack of appropriate documentation and/or authorization from relevant government agencies.
Popov was subsequently invited to proceed to the NBI office in Tacloban City for further investigation and verification.
At around 11:30 a.m., PCG and NBI personnel, together with Popov, left the yacht and proceeded to the NBI office. They arrived at about 12:05 p.m., where Popov was placed under NBI custody pending further investigation and coordination with other government agencies.
The INGRID MARMARIS, meanwhile, was placed under PCG custody and security for safekeeping and monitoring while the case is being evaluated.
The PCG said its personnel are continuing to coordinate with the NBI and other concerned agencies while maintaining the security of the vessel and preserving the integrity of the investigation.
(JOEY A. GABIETA)
