Chinese research vessels detected off Recto Bank as early as June — DND

Chinese vessel in Ayungin Shoal (FILE PHOTO)

MANILA — Department of National Defense (DND) spokesperson Dr. Peter Paul Galvez on Monday said that the presence of the two Chinese research vessels off Recto Bank was detected as early as June.

He declined to give details who made the sighting for security reasons.

Galvez said the research vessels bear the hull number of “14” and “792” and are capable of hydrographic research and have long endurance.

“It can stay at sea for a month as they are quite big,” the DND spokesperson pointed out.

He added that these ships seems to be capable of underwater mapping operations.

“That’s why the President is questioning their presence there,” Galvez disclosed, adding that Recto Bank is well within Philippines waters and not contested territory.

At the moment, he said the two ships are not in the area.