In a recent development, the Philippine Navy (PN) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) have been closely monitoring the movements of the Chinese Research Vessel (CRV) Lan Hai 101, which was spotted navigating the eastern waters of Palawan on February 9, 2025. Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, the PN spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, confirmed that the vessel’s presence was detected by the Littoral Monitoring Station (LMS) Melville, which immediately questioned its presence in Philippine waters.
Trinidad explained that the CRV Lan Hai 101 had to navigate through the eastern side of Palawan due to unfavorable sea conditions on the western side. The Chinese crew aboard the vessel assured LMS Melville that they would respect the rights of innocent passage through the Philippine archipelagic sea lanes and planned to exit near Coron, Palawan.
To safeguard the region’s navigational safety and sovereignty, the Western Command deployed the PN vessel BRP Andres Bonifacio (PS-17) and the PCG vessel BRP Melchora Aquino (MRRV-9702) to escort the CRV Lan Hai 101. This joint operation highlights the PN’s dedication to protecting the maritime interests of the Philippines.
Trinidad emphasized that the PN remains committed to upholding the sovereignty and security of Philippine waters. As of 5:50 p.m., the CRV Lan Hai 101 was located 19.05 nautical miles from Tinituan Island, Cuyo, Palawan.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines continue to vigilantly monitor maritime activities in the area, reaffirming their commitment to the safety and security of the Philippine archipelago. The deployment of naval and coast guard assets demonstrates a collaborative approach to addressing maritime challenges.