PCG ship challenges CCG presence in PH EEZ

By Raymond Carl Dela Cruz, Philippine News Agency

INCURSION. China Coast Guard vessel no. 3103 during an incursion inside Philippine waters near the coastline of Zambales on Thursday (Jan. 9, 2025). The Philippine Coast Guard’s BRP Teresa Magbanua was deployed to monitor the illegal presence of CCG ships and issued radio challenges. (Photo by PCG via PNA)

MANILA – The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) issued radio challenges following incursions of China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels along the coastline of Zambales on Thursday.

PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea (WPS) Commodore Jay Tarriela said BRP Teresa Magbanua made persistent radio challenges to Chinese vessels for its continued operation within the Philippines’ 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.

Chinese presence in Philippine waters, he said, is illegal under Republic Act 12064 or the “Philippine Maritime Zones Act;” the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, of which China is a signatory; and the 2016 Arbitral Award.

The Chinese vessels, he said, have been exhibiting “erratic movements” approximately 70 nautical miles to 80 nautical miles from the coastline of Zambales province.

“The objective of the Chinese deployment remains the same: to assert normalization and legitimacy in these waters. The PCG is steadfast in its mission to counteract these efforts and prevent any normalization of illegal deployment of CCG vessels,” he said.

PCG Commandant, Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, ordered the continued monitoring of the illegal presence of the CCG in Philippine waters and to employ “a measured response” that prioritizes the Philippines’ national interests while avoiding escalation.

On Wednesday, the PCG reported sightings of CCG vessel no. 3013 heading to Zambales with the possible intention of replacing CCG-5901 after its five-day incursion into Philippine waters.

CCG-5901 – dubbed “monster ship” for its size – began its incursion into Philippine waters on Jan. 4 when it was spotted along the coastline of Capones Island in Zambales.