Two Chinese ships were wandering off the coast of Occidental Mindoro, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said over the weekend, prompting its fleet to issue multiple radio challenges.
According to PCG Spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea (WPS) Commodore Jay Tarriela, one People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy with a China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel were stopped about 69.31 nautical miles off Cabra Island, Occidental Mindoro.
Tarriela also said the BRP Teresa Magbanua, currently engaged in maritime law enforcement patrols, established communication with PLA Navy warship 793 via radio to ascertain its intentions.
However, there was no response from the vessel. Its escort CCG 4203 replied, asserting China’s sovereignty and jurisdiction over these waters.
“As of 1100H today, BRP Teresa Magbanua continues to shadow PLA Navy warship 793 and CCG 4203, which are joined by an additional vessel, PLA Navy warship 164. The movements of these vessels have necessitated several radio challenges from the PCG throughout the day, without response from the PLA Navy warships.” Tarriela said on Saturday.
The PCG official also said it has been observed that PLA Navy warship 164 was conducting helicopter landing exercises on its flight deck, with continuous activity recorded throughout Saturday morning.
“The PCG emphasizes to these vessels that their operations are taking place within the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the Philippines, approximately 69.31 nautical miles off the coast of Cabra, Occidental Mindoro,” Tarriela said.
“The PCG reminds the PLA Navy and the CCG to give due regard to the jurisdiction of the Philippines in its EEZ, answer the radio communications from the PCG, and desist from the conduct of unauthorized patrols or law enforcement-related activities in the Philippine EEZ,” he added.
Tarriela noted the PCG’s actions are anchored on its mission to uphold Philippine sovereignty and exercise jurisdiction in its maritime zones, especially in the West Philippine Sea. These are in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the 2016 Arbitral Award, and the Philippine Maritime Zones Act.
