By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has raised concerns over the growing threat posed by “dark vessels” or ships that manipulate their tracking systems to evade detection, even as incidents of maritime piracy worldwide continue to decline.
PCG Commandant Ronnie Gavan on Tuesday warned that some vessels are falsifying their Automatic Identification System (AIS) signals — a technology designed to transmit a ship’s identity and location — allowing them to operate undetected in busy sea lanes.
According to Gavan, these so-called “dark vessels,” also referred to as the “shadow fleet,” have increasingly been associated with piracy and other forms of maritime disorder.
The coast guard chief emphasized that maritime security remains critical to the Philippines, whose economy relies heavily on international shipping and trade.
“In the global trade of around $24 trillion, approximately $970 billion directly impacts the Philippine economy,” Gavan said, stressing the importance of securing sea routes that sustain commerce and livelihoods.
While global piracy and armed robbery incidents at sea have reportedly fallen by 62 percent from 2025 to 2026, Gavan noted that criminal tactics have become more sophisticated.
The warning comes as maritime authorities observe changing patterns in piracy operations, including the use of vessels that conceal or falsify their movements to avoid surveillance.
Despite the global downturn in piracy, the Philippines experienced an uptick in incidents during the first quarter of 2026.
Data from the International Maritime Bureau showed that four piracy-related incidents were reported in Philippine waters during the period, compared to none in the same quarter last year.
Two incidents occurred at Manila anchorage, while two others were reported at Bauan anchorage in Batangas Bay. One crew member was reportedly taken hostage during the attacks.
With nearly 17,000 of Asia’s estimated 51,000 commercial vessels operating in Philippine waters, Gavan said maritime security directly affects not only international shipping but also local fishermen and coastal communities.
To address emerging threats, the Philippines is enhancing cooperation with the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia, a Singapore-based coalition composed of 21 member countries that share real-time intelligence on piracy and armed robbery incidents.
The organization includes the Philippines, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, and China, among others.
Gavan said information exchanged through ReCAAP enables authorities to improve planning, anticipate threats, and strengthen maritime response capabilities.
The PCG chief underscored that maritime security is not solely about protecting cargo ships and global trade but also about ensuring the safety and economic well-being of ordinary Filipinos who depend on the sea for transportation and livelihood.
“It’s important to maintain maritime security to ensure that ordinary Filipinos remain safe,” Gavan said.
ia/xf
