PCG challenges China Coast Guard vessel off Zambales

The Philippine Coast Guard over the weekend challenged a China Coast Guard vessel located nearly 76 nautical miles from Palauig Point off the coast of Zambales, which is within the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

In a post on his X account on Sunday evening, PCG spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela said the agency directed the Multi Role Response Vessel (MRRV-4409) BRP Cabra on Saturday evening to challenge the presence of the CCG vessel, in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

“Despite facing challenging sea conditions with wave heights ranging from 8 to 10 feet, the 44-meter vessel continuously engaged the China Coast Guard 3105, emphasizing its lack of legal authority to patrol within Philippine waters but did not receive any response,” the post read.

To recall, the Philippines in 2013 challenged China over its claims on the West Philippine Sea, and in 2016 Manila scored a victory in a landmark ruling by an international tribunal that invalidated Beijing’s claims.

China has refused to acknowledge the Permanent Court of Arbitration’s 2016  ruling that invalidated its nine-dash line. Its government in 2022 claimed that it will continue to adhere to what it described as a  “friendly consultation” with the Philippines after several Chinese vessels have been found “swarming” areas in the West Philippine Sea.

The Philippines has already filed over 150 diplomatic protests against China regarding the territorial dispute under the administration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

Fishing boat in distress

Tarriela said the BRP Cabra also received a distress call from Filipino fishing boat FFB John John, which reported engine troubles about 40.35 nautical miles southeast of Bajo De Masinloc.

“Swiftly responding to the situation, the crew of BRP Cabra successfully arrived at the location of the fishing boat and is now towing it safely back to Subic Port, Zambales,” he said.

“The actions of BRP Cabra and its crew reflect the commitment of the PCG to uphold the directive of the President, reinforcing the Philippines’ rights in the West Philippine Sea,” he added. — BM, GMA Integrated News