Chinese vessel intercepted in Mindanao
APHILIPPINE NAVY VESSEL INTERCEPTED A CHINESE FISHING BOAT THAT ENTERED THE PHILIPPINE TERRITORY IN DAVAO REGION ON WEDNESDAY.
A belated military report said the interception came after the Navy intensified its maritime patrol and defense operations following frequent sightings of Chinese sea crafts inside Philippine territories.
Upon visual observation,
Navy vessel BRP Laurence Narag (PG907) under Naval Task Force 61, proceeded to the area to investigate the ship bearing a Chinese configuration.
The presence of the vessel was monitored by a station in Tawi-Tawi.
When the unidentified ship was spotted 20 nautical miles Northwest off Sanga-Sanga, Tawi-Tawi, the navy vessel challenged it but to no avail.
However, due to persistent challenges by the Navy, the ship identified itself as Chinese fishing vessel F/V Cheung Kan Wing. It is reported that the Chinese fishing vessel with four crewmen came from Indonesia enroute Hong Kong.
The Philippine Navy vessel held the Chinese-registered vessel for inspection and found no violations or irregularities.
The Chinese ship was eventually allowed to continue its journey but underwent close monitoring to ensure safety and security in the area.
The Armed Forces had increased monitoring at sea, air and land to secure Philippine territory from Chinese aggressive and persistent intrusion.
Recently, authorities had recorded several sightings of Chinese vessels plying in waters off Palawan, Bicol, Pangasinan and Zambales, particularly near Ayungin Shoal and Pagasa Island, the largest Philippine-occupied features in the West Philippine Sea.
The Chinese monster ship had also been spotted to have emerged near other Philippine-controlled islands, prompting Navy vessels and aircrafts to monitor its movements.