IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay – For days, a massive foreign vessel loomed off the coast of this quiet town, sparking buzz and wild speculation among residents.
On September 8, 2025, local authorities finally boarded the Crane Ship Isabel Fo 1 under orders from Mayor Jelster Ed T. Quimbo. The operation involved the Zamboanga del Norte Maritime Police Unit and the Labason Municipal Police Station, which confirmed the ship’s presence and condition.
The Panama-flagged vessel, commanded by Captain Anwen Hu and crewed by Chinese nationals, had set sail from Zhoushan, China bound for the Solomon Islands.
But a critical failure in its steering gear electronic control board forced it to halt in Philippine waters.
Repairs are now underway, with the crew in constant coordination with the Philippine Coast Guard in Manila and its regional office in Zamboanga City. Emergency hotlines were provided to ensure quick communication in case of further trouble.
Authorities were quick to calm fears, stressing that the crew has complied with all Philippine laws and submitted complete documentation of its officers, nationalities, and travel papers.
Police returned to base the same day with full records. The crew, for its part, thanked local officials for their assistance.
Still, the incident has fueled misinformation in town and online.
Officials reminded residents to avoid spreading unverified claims and to get updates only from legitimate agencies.
For accurate information, the Labason Municipal Police Station may be reached anytime via hotline 0905-720-4220 or through its official social media page.
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