The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported that the China Coast Guard vessel 5901, known as the ‘monster ship’ due to its massive size, continues to linger off the coast of Zambales. Commodore Jay Tarriela, the PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, stated that the BRP Gabriela Silang has been closely observing the movements of the Chinese vessel. Tarriela noted that the ship’s movements were neither continuous nor swift, indicating it was not merely passing through the area.
In response, the BRP Gabriela Silang has maintained a strategic position, keeping the Chinese vessel at a safe distance of 60-70 nautical miles from the Philippine coast. The Chinese ship has challenged the BRP Gabriela Silang over the radio, accusing it of violating international maritime collision regulations. However, Tarriela dismissed these claims, emphasizing the more pressing issue of the Chinese vessel’s unauthorized presence in the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
The PCG’s maneuvers are crucial in preventing the Chinese ship from advancing closer to the Zambales coast. Tarriela affirmed that the PCG will continue to vigilantly monitor and respond to any threats to the country’s maritime jurisdiction, sovereign rights, and sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea.
The National Maritime Council (NMC) has also voiced strong opposition to the ongoing illegal activities of Chinese maritime and militia forces within the Philippines’ EEZ. The NMC highlighted that these repeated incursions violate the Philippine Maritime Zones Act and international laws, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the 2016 arbitral ruling that upheld the Philippines’ rights in its maritime zones.
Senator JV Ejercito condemned China’s aggressive actions in Philippine waters, describing the presence of the CCG 5901 as an intentional display of force meant to intimidate Filipino fishermen and infringe upon the country’s sovereignty. Ejercito stressed that the vessel’s presence in the EEZ is a clear violation of international maritime laws and the 2016 Arbitral Ruling. He urged for immediate action to strengthen the country’s defense capabilities and called for the modernization of the PCG and the Armed Forces of the Philippines to protect the nation’s territorial waters. Additionally, he advocated for the reinforcement of multilateral agreements to enhance joint patrols in the West Philippine Sea for national security.