North Korean cargo ship seized by the Philippines

Situation could only get worse before it gets better. Will Kim allow allow his ships to be taken without response?

North Korean Cargo Ship Seized by the Philippines Under Strict New UN Sanctions

The Philippines said on Saturday it had seized a North Korean freighter that was covered by harsher United Nations sanctions against Pyongyang over its nuclear program.

Manila will also deport the vessel's 21 North Korean crew and will await a UN inspection team, foreign ministry spokesman Charles Jose said.

"In compliance with the United Nations resolution, the North Korean ship in Subic will be impounded and not allowed to leave port," he said.

The cargo ship Jin Teng was one of the first sanctioned North Korean ships to enter a foreign port since the UN Security Council unanimously passed tightened sanctions on Wednesday. A total of 31 North Korean ships are on the UN's watchlist.

"The world is concerned over North Korea's nuclear weapons program and as a member of the UN, the Philippines has to do its part to enforce the sanctions," said Manolo Quezon, deputy presidential spokesman told reporters.

The ship, which was flying the flag of Sierra Leone, arrived on February 27 and was unloading palm kernels.

"We have sent teams to guard the ship until we get the formal order from the government," said Commander Armand Balilo, coast guard spokesman.

On Friday, the coast guard barred the ship from leaving port, citing safety deficiencies found during an inspection.

The inspection was conducted after the UN Security Council passed the resolution against Pyongyang. The resolution said the 31 ships were "economic resources controlled or operated by Ocean Maritime Management and therefore subject to the asset freeze".
- ViceNews