The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) conducted a Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) flight on Tuesday to challenge monitored Chinese vessels and activities in the Kalayaan Island Group.
According to PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Rear Admiral Jay Tarriela, the PCG Islander 4177 aircraft spotted the Chinese oceanographic research vessel Xiang Yang Hong 33 about 7.34 nautical miles west of Rozul Reef.
The vessel was reportedly deploying service boats toward the reef, which the PCG said indicated unauthorized Marine Scientific Research (MSR) operations.
Tarriela added that a Chinese Coast Guard vessel was also seen in the same area, along with 13 Chinese Maritime Militia vessels anchored nearby.
In his post, Tarriela said Canada’s Dark Vessel Detection (DVD) system showed that the Xiang Yang Hong 33 departed China on April 15.
The vessel later conducted survey activities in several areas within the Philippine exclusive economic zone.
It was monitored near Ayungin Shoal from April 20 to 22 together with support vessels, before moving to Escoda Shoal from April 22 to 28.
The ship also reportedly operated near Arellano Reef and Bulig Shoal from April 28 to May 1, then near Panganiban Reef from May 1 to 3.
From May 3 to May 6, it was monitored near Quirino Atoll and Rozul Reef, and was later tracked from Jacinto Reef to Diego Silang Reef.
During the same MDA flight, the PCG aircraft also monitored 28 Chinese Maritime Militia vessels around Cay 1 and Cay 2.
Meanwhile, PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan assured the public that the agency remains firm in carrying out its mandate to safeguard and protect the country’s maritime domain.
He said the PCG will continue conducting MDA operations and challenging illegal activities that undermine the Philippines’ sovereignty and maritime rights.
(PHOTO COURTESY: Rear Admiral Jay Tarriela | X)
