DND still investigating purported Chinese booms found off Zambales

Containment booms with Chinese writings washed ashore at Cabangan, Zambales (Photo: Philippine Coast Guard – Subic Substation)

MANILA — The Department of National Defense (DND) announced that it is still investigating the circumstances on how the purported Chinese booms were found and towed by Zambales fishermen Saturday.

We are awaiting verification on the incident & will investigate the circumstances under which the booms were found and recovered,” DND spokesperson Dr. Peter Paul Galvez said.

He added that the discovery of the booms is a disturbing development given that the booms were supposedly found well within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.

“As we have aimed in the 2002 Declaration of Conduct, we remind all that the Philippines and the ASEAN are committed to peace in the region,” Galvez stressed.

“Further we advise that all other parties in the region to adhere to and respect the DOC and refrain from selfish and self centered acts that we may all benefit from continued progress and development of the region,” the DND spokesperson pointed out.

The booms were spotted by the fishermen floating three nautical miles west of Iba, Zambales 3 p.m.Saturday.

It was towed by nine fishing bancas at the shoreline of Barangay Sto. Rosario, Iba at 4 p.m.

It has three segments, each measuring 40 feet each and measuring two meters wide. It also has Chinese markings.