PCG deploys BRP Cabra to challenge Chinese vessels near Zambales coast

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said BRP Cabra has replaced BRP Suluan in patrolling and challenging the presence of Chinese vessels near the coast of Zambales.

In an update on Wednesday evening, PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Commodore Jay Tarriela said two China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels were still seen around 65 nautical miles off the Zambales coast.

“Upon arriving in the area where BRP Suluan has been monitoring CCG vessel 3103, it was noted that another CCG vessel, identified by bow number 3304, was approaching their location,” Tarriela said.

“This indicates that the CCG may anticipate the PCG deploying two vessels in response. However, as BRP Suluan made its way back to Subic, Zambales, CCG-3304 also retreated further from the coastline,” he added.

BRP Cabra aims to prevent CCG vessels from getting closer to the Zambales coastline, Tarriela said.

According to Tarriela, BRP Cabra has been engaging in hourly radio communications with CCG-3103, calling out the Chinese vessel’s violations of the Philippine Maritime Zones Act, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and the 2016 Arbitral Award.

“Despite challenging sea conditions and the size of the waves, the courageous men and women aboard BRP Cabra remain committed to safeguarding Philippine maritime rights and enforcing the rule of law, all while maintaining a stance of non-provocation,” he said.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun earlier defended their ship's intrusion inside Philippine territory.

"We have responded to similar questions multiple times. Let me reiterate that China’s sovereignty and rights and interests in the South China Sea were established in the long course of history, and are solidly grounded in history and the law and compliant with the international law and practice," the official said.

Justified

Guo also claimed that the CCG "conducts patrols and law enforcement activities in relevant waters in accordance with the law, which is fully justified."

"We call on the Philippines once again to immediately stop all infringement activities, provocations and false accusations, and stop all its actions that jeopardize peace and stability and complicate the situation in the South China Sea," he added.

Tensions continue as Beijing claims almost all of the South China Sea, a conduit for more than $3 trillion of annual ship-borne commerce, including parts claimed by the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei.

In 2016, an international arbitration tribunal in The Hague ruled in favor of the Philippines over China's claims in the South China Sea, saying that it had "no legal basis."

China has not recognized the decision. 

—VAL, GMA Integrated News