Quezon: The Philippine Navy (PN) has announced that it is closely monitoring the activity of two Chinese fishing boats operating near the east coast of the Philippines, specifically in the vicinity of Aurora province. Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, confirmed the monitoring efforts during a media briefing at Camp Aguinaldo.
According to Philippines News Agency, the presence of these vessels was reported to the Philippine Navy on Monday night. Rear Admiral Trinidad stated that the boats were detected near the San Ildefonso Peninsula, approximately 20 nautical miles from Casiguran town in Aurora. While the exact coordinates are still being determined, Trinidad emphasized that the situation is not considered alarming, as fishing vessels from various countries are frequently observed within the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
Rear Admiral Trinidad explained that the increased maritime traffic could be attributed to recent weather changes, noting an uptick in
activity following the passage of a typhoon. He further clarified that the Philippine Navy focuses its attention on naval vessels, or “grey-hulled ships,” and typically leaves fishing activities to be managed by the appropriate government agencies.
The ongoing monitoring of these Chinese fishing boats is part of the Philippine Navy’s routine operations to oversee maritime traffic within its EEZ, which includes vessels from ASEAN countries and Pacific Island states.