MANILA, Philippines: The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) deployed on Monday its second largest and most modern vessel for a two-week mission in Batanes and Benham Rise following reports of Chinese presence in the area.
PCG Spokesman Rear Admiral Armando Balilo said BRP Gabriela Silang will patrol the vicinity waters to conduct maritime domain awareness, intensify Coast Guard presence in Northern Luzon and monitor local fishermen.
"We will also check the reported presence of Chinese research vessels in Benham Rise," Balilo said.
BRP Gabriela Silang. PHOTO BY J. GERARD SEGUIAMeanwhile, air assets of the Coast Guard Aviation Force are on standby for possible augmentation, specifically in performing aerial surveillance.
Col. Ray Powell, project director at Stanford University's Gordian Knot Center for National Security Innovation, said two Chinese survey ships have been monitored loitering in the area since they sailed from the port of Longxue Island in Guangzhou on February 26.
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