China Coast Guard (CCG) patrol vessel 5901, dubbed as ‘The Monster,’ remains within the Luzon coast as of Monday morning, according to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the West Philippine Sea (WPS) monitor.
The PCG through BRP Cabra (MRRV 4409) continues to actively monitor the mammoth CCG fleet after its presence was detected and verified using Canada’s dark vessel detection (DVD) system over the weekend.
“The CCG vessel has been challenged regarding its illegal presence, emphasizing that it lacks the legal authority to operate within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ),” said PCG spokesperson for WPS Commodore Jay Tarriela in a post on X late Sunday.
In a message to Manila Standard also on January 5, Sealight director and retired US Air Force Officer Ray Powell said ‘The Monster’ was last spotted patrolling about 60 nautical miles from the Luzon Coast with the BRP Cabra shadowing it.
CCG 5901 was seen moving at a speed of 2.4 knots while the PCG vessel was traveling at six knots, according to Powell. He said it was ‘unlikely’ that the submersible drone recently discovered by local fishermen was launched by ‘The Monster’ fleet.
Tarriela indicated that the PCG will keep conducting radio challenges against CCG 5901 in response to its intrusive patrol in the WPS. He earlier noted that the foreign vessel restrained itself when it was approached by the Philippines’ air and naval assets.
Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan also deployed the PCG Islander to support ongoing operations related to CCG 5901’s movements, according to Tarriela. It would help enhance safety and oversight of legitimate maritime patrols.
“This aircraft will document any potential incidents, including intentional ramming by the CCG vessel, and ensure that immediate rescue operations can be initiated if needed,” Tarriela said.
The PCG maintained that the presence of the CCG vessel approximately 65 to 70 nautical miles off the coast of Zambales on Saturday was illegal, based on Philippine maritime laws and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), despite China saying otherwise.
“The PCG will continue to take deliberate and appropriately measured actions to challenge the illegal presence of the Chinese Coast Guard until it ceases its violations of the Philippines’ sovereign rights in these waters,” Tarriela said.
“Throughout these monitoring efforts, the safety and security of Filipino fishermen remain the PCG’s highest priority,” he added.
