PCG escorts Chinese research vessel out of Phl waters

A Chinese research vessel believed to be engaged in deep sea mapping to support submarine operations was escorted out of the waters of Ilocos Norte on Monday, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported yesterday.

- MARK ERNEST VILLEZA

Commodore Jay Tarriela, PCG spokesman on West Philippine Sea issues, said the Tan Suo 3 was first detected illegally conducting marine scientific research about 92 nautical miles off Burgos, Ilocos Norte on May 1.

"It's worrisome because these Chinese research vessels have the capability for deep sea mapping. There is a possibility that they are doing this to support submarine navigation," Tarriela said at a press briefing.

He stressed that such activities pose a serious threat to security, noting that deep sea mapping of the seabed can be used to facilitate the deployment of submarines.

On Monday, the PCG said it deployed the BRP Teresa Magbanua and an aircraft to monitor and escort Tan Suo 3 out of the country's exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

During the operation, the PCG observed a manned submersible vessel, Shenhai Yongshi or Deep-Sea Warrior, approaching the Chinese ship, which retrieved it from the water.

The submersible, designed for deep-sea exploration and scientific research, is capable of diving to a depth of 4,500 meters.

The PCG also reported the recovery of an unidentified yellow piece of equipment, which could be part of instruments used by the Chinese in their research operations.