Chinese-flagged research vessel, "SHEN KUO," loitering in the vicinity northeast of Viga, Catanduanes as spotted by NOMAD N-22 aircraft. (photo: AFP)

The Chinese vessel monitored off the waters of Bicol and Visayas regions was monitored to have lowered an identified equipment around 100 miles east of Catanduanes, indicating the possibility of what the military described as illegal conduct of research and survey activities.

But the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chose the path of diplomacy, that includes adherence to international maritime laws and protocols, in dealing with the illegal presence Chinese-flagged research vessel “Shen Kuo”.

Lt. Gen. Fernando Reyeg, commanding general of the Visayas Command, said they have already coordinated with appropriate government agencies in the conduct of investigation as to why a Chinese vessel has been sailing in the eastern part of the country since last week without clearance from Philippine authorities.

“We have coordinated with the different maritime law enforcement agencies in Region 8, particularly with our counterpart from the Philippine Coast Guard to conduct surveillance and address this unauthorized presence as well as investigate possible illegal activities that this vessel might have been conducting in the area,” said Reyeg.

Commodore Roy Vincent Trinidad, spokesperson of the Philippine Navy for the West Philippine Sea, said the activities of Chinese-flagged vessel was confirmed by the photos obtained during the conduct of aerial surveillance of the Philippine Air Force.

“Their erratic behavior or their erratic track is indicative of conducting studies or possibly maritime research for whatever reason,” said Trinidad. 

“The Philippine Air Force on a maritime surveillance flight was able to get a picture of the ship lowering an unidentified equipment probably for scientific research or studies. We are still trying to identify the particular type of equipment that was monitored,” he added.

The Shen Kuo was monitored to have left Guangdong, China April 19 and immediately proceeded to the eastern part of Luzon.

It was first spotted off the waters of Rapu-Rapu Island on April 25 and at the vicinity of Viga, Catanduanes on April 28. 

Reyeg said that they will keep an eye on the Chinese vessel as part of the efforts to protect the Philippine territory.

“We will continuously monitor this vessel and will address this incident through diplomatic channels in accordance with international maritime laws and protocols,” said Reyeg.

Both Reyeg and Trinidad said the vessel lacks the necessary diplomatic clearance to enter and exit the country’s maritime territory.