Sino ship in Davao has DFA clearance

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) issued a clearance to the visit of a Chinese vessel in Davao City.

DFA spokesman J. Eduardo Malaya said the M/V Yuanwang III is at the Davao harbor for replenishment of supplies after a scientific tracking and survey mission to Sulawesi. 

“The DFA gave a clearance to the visit of the Chinese vessel, after coordination with relevant Philippine agencies,” Malaya told The STAR.

“The vessel was duly notified of the guidelines of such visits,” he said. 

The presence of M/V Yuanwang III, a Chinese national scientific tracking and survey ship, at the Sasa Wharf in Davao City for 10 days has raised questions. 

Officials of local agencies could not give details on the arrival of the vessel, which some locals have tagged as a “Chinese spy ship.”