The Provincial Board of Catanduanes passed a resolution to increase patrols and deploy the Philippine Navy to areas surrounding Catanduanes after Chinese vessels were seen in its waters.

The board also sought the help of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.

“Magtulong-tulong tayo na magmatyag, maging vigilant tayong lahat sa mga nangyayari sa kapalibutan; at kung ano man ang ating nakikita lalong-lalo na sa ating mga mangingisda ay ipagbigay alam agad sa ating pamahalaan,” Edwin Tanael, a Board Member from the East District of Catanduandes, said.

Mayors on the island have alerted residents to report sightings of foreign vessels to authorities, particularly along the east coast of the province.

“Kung sakali na meron po tayong nakita talaga na vessel diyan sa karagatan ng Viga, ipaabot po dito samin, dito mismo sa opisina para maiparating po sa mga mga kinauukulan,” Mayor Emeterio Tarin of Viga, Catanduanes, said.

Meanwhile, an unidentified foreign object, suspected to be a tracking device, was discovered in the waters off Caramoran earlier in April.

The device has been turned over to the authorities, and investigations are ongoing to determine its origin and purpose.

“Nagko-coordinate kami ngayon sa ating Philippine counterpart sa maritime police for the possible identification nung device,” PCPT. Denver Romero, Chief of Police of the Caramoan Municipal Police Station, said.