MANILA — The Philippines now has the capacity to detect "dark" vessels — those not using their automatic identification system — in its territorial waters with the use of Canada’s satellite tracking system, an analyst said on Sunday, with the Philippine Coast Guard recently publishing the movements of China’s monster ship during its intrusive voyage through West Philippine Sea hotspots. 

Commodore Jay Tarriela, PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, recently said Manila used Canada’s “Dark Vessel Technology” when it tracked the 12,000-ton China Coast Guard 5901 ship, dubbed the “The Monster,” for 10 days.

Dr. Chester Cabalza, director and founder of International Development and Security Cooperation, said Canada’s tracking system is a “state-of-the-art” technology that has the capacity to detect ships even if their AIS is turned off.

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He added that the tracking system would help Manila advance its deterrence capability, without relying on foreign private sector data that he said is prone to misinterpretation.

“This time around, dahil sa atin na mismo manggagaling ‘yong tracking system, sa tulong ng Canada, malaking bagay ito para mas scientific and, at the same time, transparent ‘yong ating interpretation and analysis. So, malaking bagay ito para sa deterrence capability ng Pilipinas, lalong-lalo na ‘yong technology ngayon ay isa sa mga ginagamit para sa unconventional warfare,” Cabalza said.

At a PCG-hosted reception on Friday, Colin Townson, outgoing head for Political and Public Affairs of the Embassy of Canada to the Philippines, expressed Ottawa’s support to Manila as tensions run high in the South China Sea.

“We’re concerned, we’re engaged, we’re talking to your government at every level. And the work that you do is so important. We’re here to support you. We will continue to support you. Your fight is not just the fight for the future of the Philippines, it’s the fight for the future of the rules-based international order that every country on this planet has a stake,” Townson told PCG and defense officials.

“You’ve made a friend in me and in Canada and we’re here with you all the way,” he added.

Similar to the United States, Canada has an interest in the maritime domain in the Indo-Pacific region, especially in ensuring freedom of navigation and a rules-based order.

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“First time din na nagpapakitang gilas ‘yong Canada sa atin. Ang Canada was a former maritime power and, of course, part of their strategy, ‘yong Indo-Pacific strategy nila at nakita nila ‘yong Pilipinas ay halos kapareho nila in terms of democratic values and, of course, ‘yong rules-based order na pinaglalaban din nila through freedom of navigation,” Cabalza said.

National Security Adviser Eduardo Año on Friday said the country is “determined as ever” to build up its military as highlights China’s harassment and provocations in the Philippine waters.

“In the face of all these foreign incursions, we are determined as ever to progressively build our defense capabilities to effectively deter and counter all threats to our nation’s peace and security,” Año said.

“As a sovereign state, it is our duty as well to upgrade our readiness and capabilities to assert our rights and push back against illegal, coercive, aggressive and deceptive tactics. In this respect, no country can stop us from bolstering our defense posture and tell us what to do and what not to do within our Exclusive Economic Zone,” he added.