PCG enters eighth day of confronting CCG vessels

January 13, 2025 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines —  The Philippine Coast Guard has entered its eighth day of monitoring and confronting China Coast Guard vessels operating within the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ), PCG spokesman Commodore Jay Tarriela said on Saturday.

According to Tarriela, the PCG vessel BRP Teresa Magbanua has successfully pushed CCG vessel 3304 to a distance of 97 nautical miles off the Zambales coastline, a move aimed at asserting Philippine sovereignty.

In response, China deployed its CCG 5901, known as the “monster ship,” to challenge the PCG’s operations.

Despite the larger size of CCG 5901, the crew of Teresa Magbanua have maneuvered boldly, positioning their vessel close to the Chinese ship’s starboard side and effectively blocking its attempts to advance.

The PCG has also continuously broadcast radio warnings, reiterating that the Chinese vessels are unlawfully operating within Philippine waters.

“These maneuvers highlight the dedication and resolve of the PCG to uphold the rule of law in the West Philippine Sea,” Tarriela said.

PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan praised the Teresa Magbanua crew for their commitment to President Marcos’ directive of maintaining vigilance while avoiding any escalation.

The PCG emphasized the importance of exposing China’s activities to the international community, warning that Beijing’s actions are part of a broader strategy to normalize deployments within the Philippines’ EEZ.

According to the PCG, this tactic aims to alter the status quo and operationalize China’s territorial claims based on its so-called nine-dash line, which has been invalidated by an international arbitral tribunal.

“These unlawful deployments must be actively challenged to ensure they do not succeed in altering the maritime status quo or enabling bullying behavior to prevail,” Tarriela said.