A 37-year-old Vietnamese captain of an international ship was detained at the Cebu Ports Authority Custody Center in Cebu City after a 28-year-old female customs inspector accused him of inappropriately touching her.

The incident happened around 8:00 PM on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, aboard m/v Tay San 3, which was docked at the Cebu International Port and scheduled to depart for Vietnam at midnight.

Maritime Police investigator Elymar Mendoza said the customs inspector was conducting a routine inspection when the captain invited her into his office.

After the inspector entered the office, the captain locked the door, pulled her close to him, hugged her tightly and touched her breast.

The inspector reported the incident to the Maritime Police, reporting that he resisted the Vietnamese captain’s advances, punching the captain, which allowed him to break free.

She later sought medical attention for bruises and scratches on her arm.

The victim indicated that she was initially willing to forgive the captain if he admitted his actions; however, after he denied any wrongdoing, she moved to press charges of lewdness.

The accused captain denied the allegations, claiming that he only invited the inspector to his office for coffee.

As a result of the pending case, the Maritime Police has temporarily detained m/v Tay San 3 at CIP until further notice. / AYB