CATARMAN, May 7 -- The local government of Mapanas, Northern Samar, has asked the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to increase its presence in their town for the surveillance of foreign ships after the recent spotting of a Chinese research vessel nearby.

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Mapanas Mayor Ronn Michael Tejano said the presence of PCG will help them get updates on the passage of any foreign vessel with suspicious activities.

"We are also appealing to capacitate us to monitor our sea, especially with more foreign vessels passing near the Pacific towns of Northern Samar," Tejano said.

On the night of April 28, a Chinese-flagged research vessel was seen slowly moving approximately 78 nautical miles northeast off Mapanas town.

The ...