PCG: 3 Chinese research vessels spotted within PH EEZ, near Siargao

Three Chinese research vessels have been spotted off the coast of provinces in Luzon and Mindanao, twice entering the country's exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and coming within the waters of the world-class surfing paradise of Siargao, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said Saturday.

At a news forum in Quezon City, PCG spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela said the Coast Guard first monitored the three vessels at a distance of 257 nautical miles northeast of Santa Ana, Cagayan on November 17, 2024.

Tarriela said the vessels were observed twice within the country's 200 nautical mile EEZ—first near Davao Oriental on November 14, and again off Siargao Island on November 20.

"Basically dumaan lang siya talaga. It never loitered. Pumasok siya lumiko ulit (Basically they just passed. It never loitered. They entered and made a turn)," Tarriela said.

As of 7:40 a.m. on November 30, Tarriela said the ships were seen "with the distance of 210 nautical miles east of Siargao Island in Surigao del Norte."

The three Chinese research vessels are Xiang Yang Hong 3, Jia Geng, and Xiang Yang Hong 10.

However, the PCG official said that since the vessels entered the Philippine EEZ, they should have sought clearance from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

"Since wala this can be… we're going to communicate this to the National Task force WPS and it's up to the DFA to take action," he said.

GMA News Online has requested comment from the Chinese Embassy in Manila but has yet to respond as of posting time. — VDV, GMA Integrated News