BRP Cabra stood its ground over the weekend against China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel 3105, braving waves as high as five meters, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported on Saturday.
PCG said the Philippines’ 44-meter multi-role response vessel maintained its position about 95 nautical miles against the 130-meter-wide CCG ship from the coast of Zambales.
BRP Cabra was sent to oppose the illegal presence of Chinese vessels within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). China through its naval assets has been operating against domestic and international laws.
PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan reiterated that the deployment of Philippine vessels aims to prevent any attempts by China to alter the status quo or normalize its incursions.
“We will not allow any foreign power to encroach upon our territory. The PCG will continue to deploy vessels to ensure the protection of our waters and to prevent any attempts to change the status quo,” he said.
The PCG reiterated that the presence of CCG vessels violates international maritime law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the Philippines’ Maritime Zones Act, and the 2016 Arbitral Award.
Despite adverse weather conditions and a significant size disadvantage, the crew of BRP Cabra remained steadfast in protecting Philippine waters and securing the livelihoods of Filipino fishermen.
The PCG reaffirmed its commitment to upholding President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive that not a single square inch of Philippine territory will be surrendered.