Metro Manila, Philippines – The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said it is actively monitoring the presence of three Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) vessels in waters off Batanes as flagged by Canada’s Dark Vessel Detection system.

According to the PCG, the Chinese vessels have been exhibiting irregular movements since their detection yesterday. In response, the PCG deployed an aircraft early Friday to conduct maritime domain awareness patrols in the northern region.The PCG Islander aircraft left Manila at 6 a.m. and located one of the Chinese vessels around 75 nautical miles west of Sabtang Island. The crew issued radio challenges, stating the vessel had no legal authority to operate within the exclusive economic zone. The Chinese vessel did not respond.Due to bad weather and the considerable distance, the aircraft was unable to reach the other two vessels.