Lorenzana says alleged Chinese vessel in Subic is yacht

August 12, 2019

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said the alleged Chinese vessel docked in Subic is a private yacht based in Zambales.

"Upon verification by our law enforcement agencies: the Coast Guard and the Philippine National Police (PNP) maritime unit, it was found out that the vessel is actually a yacht owned by a businessman based in Subic," Lorenzana said in a statement issued Monday.

"The SBMA (Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority) Administrator,  Amy Eisma, has confirmed that the yacht is registered in Subic as the Balena II," he said. 

"She also said that she and the PCG and PNP maritime units will coordinate for better monitoring of these cruise ships/recreational marine vessels," he added.

The defense chief also emphasized that the vessel was formerly a Japanese ship before it was converted into a yacht.

"Further inquiry states that it used to be the Japanese research and survey vessel the Tankai Maru," he said. 

"It has been bought and converted into a motor yacht. It caters to tourists that are already in Subic," he added.

Lorenzana issued his statement following reports about two Chinese vessels allegedly operating within the country's exclusive economic zone. Robina Asido/DMS