photo: PCG
The modern vessel detection technology obtained by the Philippine Coast Guard from Canada has helped a lot in monitoring the movement of a Chinese Coast Guard's monster ship in West Philippine Sea in the past 10 days, an official said on Thursday, June 27.
The Dark Vessel Detection technology was received by the PCG late last year as part of the deal with Canada on the sidelines of their 6th Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation in Ottawa on Oct. 12.
Commodore Jay Tarriela, PCG spokesperson for West Philippine Sea, said Canada's Dark Vessel Detection technology first detected the Chinese vessel on June 17 after it departed from Hainan.
“It directly encroached upon the territorial waters of the Philippine-occupied features of Parola and Pagasa, violating our sovereignty,” said Tarriela.
The Chinese vessel then proceeded to enter Zamora Reef, where it stayed overnight, before eventually continuing its voyage by passing through Bayani and Union Banks.
On June 20, Tarriela said the Chinese vessel entered Kagitingan Reef and possibly resupplied for logistics before continuing on her long voyage, including entering the Exclusive Economic Zones of Malaysia and Brunei.
The vessel then headed north and entered the Philippine EEZ once more before passing through Rizal Reef and made a supply stop at Panganiban Reef on June 23.
The following day, the official said the Chinese vessel continued to navigate within the Philippines EEZ and selectively passed through Lawak and Patag, and then made a quick southeasterly turn to pass through Escoda Shoal.
After passing through Escoda Shoal, the Chinese Coast Guard vessel then proceeded directly towards El Nido, Palawan and maintained a close distance of 34 nautical miles from its coastline.
“From there, it made a quick turn towards Bajo De Masinloc, where it joined three other China Coast Guard vessels that were deployed in the area. After spending a few hours loitering at BDM, CCG 5901 sailed back towards Hainan,” Tarriela said.
As of Thursday morning, June 27, Tarriela said the Chinese vessel was last monitored at 46 nautical miles southeast of Sanya, Hainan.