Another China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel was sent to illegally patrol the coastline of Zambales, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported late Thursday after CCG 3304 replaced 3103 despite radio challenges from Manila.
PCG spokesperson for West Philippine Sea (WPS) Commodore Jay Tarriela said the CCG ships were “exhibiting erratic movements” approximately 70 to 80 nautical miles from the shore of Zambales, the nearest landmass from Bajo de Masinloc or Scarborough Shoal.
Coast Guard personnel from BRP Teresa Magbanua (MRRV-9701) executed radio challenges in accordance with international and domestic laws to assert the Philippines’ sovereignty over its exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
“The crew made it clear that the Chinese vessels do not possess any legal authority to patrol within the Philippines’ EEZ and directed them to depart immediately,” Tarriela said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
He noted it appears that the objective of China remains the same in asserting its unlawful authority over Philippine waters. Regardless, the PCG said it will continue vigilantly monitoring foreign vessels through peaceful means in defense of national interests.
Fresh tensions in the WPS began last weekend when CCG 5901 of China, nicknamed ‘The Monster’ because of its size, was spotted by Philippine authorities. It was later replaced by CCG 3103 and now 3304.
