Philippine Coast Guard to Provide Daily Updates on Chinese Vessels’ Illegal Presence in West Philippine Sea

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has announced plans to closely monitor and report on the ongoing intrusions by China Coast Guard (CCG) ships in the waters off Zambales. Commodore Jay Tarriela, the PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, stated in a PTV interview that the public will receive regular updates on these Chinese activities. Tarriela emphasized that these reports aim to inform Filipinos and signal to the Chinese government that the Philippines will not tolerate the normalization of their illegal presence in the area. Despite the CCG’s repeated aggressive actions, Tarriela assured that the PCG will maintain a peaceful and professional stance, adhering to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to avoid provocation and prevent any escalation for which the Philippines might be blamed. The PCG’s commitment is to challenge the CCG’s unlawful presence. Recently, the PCG vessel BRP Cabra responded to a distress call from the fishing boat F/B El Kapitan, but was shadowed by CCG vessel 3304, which obstructed the transfer of a deceased fisherman from the scene.