The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has escalated its vigilance over Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) ships operating illegally within the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The PCG has deployed the BRP Suluan, a 44-meter multi-role response vessel, to replace the BRP Gabriela Silang in monitoring the CCG vessel 3304 near Zambales. Commodore Jay Tarriela, the PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, reported that CCG-3304 was initially detected between 60 to 70 nautical miles from Zambales. By Tuesday evening, the notorious ‘monster ship’ CCG-5901 had moved to 113 nautical miles from Zambales, yet remained within the EEZ, just 19 nautical miles from Bajo de Masinloc. Meanwhile, CCG-3304 was located 105 nautical miles from Zambales, edging closer to Bajo de Masinloc at 28 nautical miles. Tarriela also noted that CCG-3304 was substituted by another Chinese vessel, CCG-3103, which is smaller at 77.7 meters long and 10.4 meters wide. Despite rough seas with waves reaching 2-3 meters, BRP Suluan has successfully kept CCG-3103 at bay, preventing it from nearing the Zambales coast. In a recorded interaction, PCG personnel challenged CCG-3103 over the radio, citing violations of the Philippine Maritime Zones Act, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and the 2016 Arbitral Award. The ongoing surveillance indicates that CCG-3103 persists in its unauthorized patrols, currently positioned 76 nautical miles from Pundaquit, Zambales. The PCG remains dedicated to protecting national maritime rights and enforcing international law without provoking further conflict.
Philippine Coast Guard Intensifies Surveillance of Chinese Vessels in National Waters
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