The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) confirmed on Saturday evening the presence of China’s ‘monster’ fleet near the waters of Luzon, triggering another case of maritime intrusion within Manila’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
In a statement, the PCG said its team monitored the China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel 5901 through Canada’s Dark Vessel Detection System about 54 nautical miles from Capones Island in Zambales.
PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan the. promptly dispatched BRP Cabra (MRRV-4409) along with the Coast Guard helicopter and caravan to “verify the incursion and assert their presence,” according to spokesman Jay Tarriela.
Tarriela said the PCG “continuously challenged the presence” of the CCG ‘monster’ ship, emphasizing that it was operating within the Philippines’ EEZ in accordance with its Maritime Zones Law and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
As of 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, BRP Cabra continues to monitor the Chinese vessel as it headed west, about 85 nautical miles away from Zambales, Tarriela added.
“The PCG remains committed to closely monitoring this Chinese Coast Guard vessel to ensure that Filipino fishermen can operate safely and without harassment within our Exclusive Economic Zone,” the PCG official said.
These developments came after the recovery of suspected Chinese submarine drone, marked “HY-119,” by fishermen off the coast of San Pascual, Masbate.
