A Chinese research vessel has been spotted dropping unidentified equipment in the waters of Catanduanes on Tuesday, April 30.
According to RH Edniel Parrosa's report, a crew of the Chinese ship named Shen Kuo was reportedly putting a "research apparatus" 100 miles east of Catanduanes.
Commodore Roy Vincent Trinidad, Navy spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea (WPS), said in a press conference that the equipment was "probably for scientific research or studies."
Trinidad said the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) planned to intercept the loitering Chinese research vessel by sending a ship into the area, but it was canceled due to bad sea conditions.
Based on the Armed Forces of the Philippines report on Sunday, Shen Kuo was first sighted on Thursday at 60.9 nautical miles east off Rapu-Rapu Island in Albay.
Meanwhile on April 21, three more Chinese research vessels were also seen getting water samples in Ayungin Shoal, which is also part of the Philippines exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
