PCG spots several Chinese, foreign vessels near Kalayaan

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Saturday reported the presence of multiple Chinese and other foreign vessels in waters surrounding the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG) during a joint Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) flight with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).

The surveillance mission, which took off from Puerto Princesa International Airport, documented a heavy concentration of Chinese ships across several reefs within the Philippine exclusive economic zone. Over Zamora Reef alone, the PCG said it sighted a Chinese hospital ship (862), two China Coast Guard vessels with unidentified bow numbers, and 29 Chinese maritime militia vessels, with the aircraft even targeted with three flares.

At Julian Felipe Reef, 38 more Chinese maritime militia vessels were reportedly observed, while another 34 were scattered around Pagkakaisa Banks.

Unidentified ships were also seen near Panganiban Reef, and a People’s Liberation Army Navy vessel at Escoda Shoal issued radio challenges to the Philippine aircraft.

Other foreign vessels were likewise present in the area, including a Vietnamese research and fishing survey ship operating near Pagasa Cay, and two Vietnamese fishing vessels with a Vietnam Coast Guard ship docked at Rurok Island.

The PCG its joint routine patrol with BFAR aligns with the mandate to safeguard the country’s maritime domain and protect the livelihood of Filipino fisherfolk.

“These routine transparency flights are conducted in accordance with domestic laws and international regulations, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the final and binding 2016 Arbitral Award,” the PCG said.—MCG, GMA Integrated News