Joe M. Reyes | September 16, 2026
MANILA — A Chinese vessel has left a disputed shoal in the West Philippine Sea after a month-long hydraulic research, a Philippine military spokesman said.
Retired Rear Admiral Roy Trinidad told journalists the vessel, Haiyang Dizhi Shihao, did not conduct drilling at Bajo de Masinloc during its deployment. (Also read: China removes “floating platform” near Bajo de Masinloc)
“The presence and the track would indicate that the vessel conducted surveillance or research activities,” Trinidad said.
“As to any report of drilling activities, there was none that was confirmed. Nor were there any reports given by our monitoring capabilities.”
Based on the Philippine Coast Guard monitoring, the Chinese vessel was deployed within the Philippine’s 200 nautical miles exclusive economic zone (EEZ) on August 10, at the vicinity of Scarborough Shoal and left on September 8. (Also read: China holds naval and air drills near Scarborough Shoal)
“To be able to conduct drilling activities, the ship would have to be stationary and not moving,” said Trinidad, adding that the vessel did not become stationary.
“To be able to conduct drilling activities, it should be stationary.”
Trinidad also said the “sensors that we have in place” is giving the military “appropriate reports” on developments in the area.
“In coordination with other government agencies, no such (drilling) activity has been monitored,” added Trinidad.
The shoal, also known as Bajo de Masinloc, is located some 124 nautical miles from mainland Zambales.
China gained control of the shoal in 2012 after a standoff with Philippine government vessels. Since then, the Chinese have prevented Filipinos from fishing inside the lagoon of the shoal.