What a Chinese research vessel did during its three month expedition at Benham Rise last year remains a mystery to the Philippine government, even as security officials have maintained the incident did not pose any threat to the country’s sovereignty. At the resumption of the hearing yesterday of the Senate economic affairs committee on the Benham Rise, it was also learned the vessel did not have permit to conduct research activities from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. said following two meetings of the Cabinet security cluster, President Duterte ordered the “protection” of the resources in Benham Rise.

Romero, P. (2017, March 30). 'Chinese reseach in Benham still a mystery'. The Philippine Star, p. 10.