The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported on Saturday morning that it successfully drove a China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel farther from the Zambales coastline.
“Despite rough sea conditions with waves of 2–3 meters, BRP Cape San Agustin (MRRV-4408) skillfully maneuvered and successfully pushed the distance of Chinese Coast Guard vessel CCG-3303 further to approximately 135 nautical miles off the Zambales coastline,” PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Commodore Jay Tarriela said.
Tarriela shared a video showing a crew member of the 44-meter multi-role response vessel BRP Cape San Agustin issuing a radio challenge to CCG-3303. Two other CCG vessels, CCG-3305 and CCG-3502, are also being monitored as they “loiter and conduct unlawful patrols in the immediate vicinity of Bajo de Masinloc,” he added.
According to Tarriela, BRP Cape San Agustin took over operations from BRP Cabra, which had returned to port.
He said the PCG remains steadfast in asserting the Philippines’ sovereignty and jurisdiction over the West Philippine Sea in line with UNCLOS, the Philippine Maritime Zones Act, and the final and binding 2016 Arbitral Award.
He added that despite limited assets and rough seas, personnel remain resolute under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directives.
