PCG, NSC monitor Chinese vessel Song Hang amid maritime survey concerns

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the National Security Council (NSC) are monitoring the Chinese research vessel Song Hang to prevent it from conducting maritime surveys in Philippine waters.

The PCG deployed an aircraft and the BRP Malapascua to challenge the vessel, which was located in various points within and near Philippine waters.

As of Thursday afternoon, the Song Hang was reported to be in Tawi-Tawi and has shown no signs of conducting marine scientific research (MSR).

PCG spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriella stated that the Song Hang claimed it was heading to the Indian Ocean to catch fish, a response considered unusual for a research vessel.

National Security Council Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya confirmed the vessel is currently outside Philippine archipelagic waters but is being monitored.

While foreign vessels are allowed innocent passage, they are prohibited from conducting scientific research within Philippine territory.

The PCG has not observed any actions by the Song Hang that would indicate it is conducting MSR.