MANILA, Philippines — A Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessel, helicopter and aircraft confronted and actively challenged the world’s largest coast guard vessel from China called “The Monster,” following its incursion in Philippine waters on Saturday, sailing to just 54 nautical miles off the coast of Capones Island in Zambales.
According to the PCG, it was able to detect the presence of CCG 5901 on Thursday using Canada’s advanced Dark Vessel Detection (DVD) system, which enables the monitoring of vessels operating without active transponders.
Acting promptly on the detection, Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, the PCG Commandant, dispatched the BRP Cabra (MRRV-4409) accompanied by a PCG helicopter and a PCG Caravan aircraft to verify and respond to the presence of the foreign vessel. By 5 p.m., the assets confirmed the presence of the Chinese vessel in the area flagged by the DVD system.
Upon confirmation, the PCG vessel and aircraft actively challenged the Chinese vessel, asserting that its activities were within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) as defined by the Philippine Maritime Zones Law and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
PCG personnel emphasized the country’s sovereign rights over its EEZ and its commitment to ensuring the safety of Filipino fishermen operating in these waters.
As of 8 p.m. Saturday, the BRP Cabra continues to monitor the Chinese vessel, which has since moved westward and is now approximately 85 nautical miles from Zambales.
In a statement issued Saturday evening, Admiral Gavan reiterated the dedication of the PCG to upholding maritime security and maintaining a vigilant presence in the country’s waters.
“The PCG remains steadfast in its mission to safeguard the rights of our fishermen and to ensure that activities within our maritime zones adhere to international and domestic laws,” Gavan said.
He also reaffirmed the Coast Guard’s commitment to working with international partners like Canada in leveraging technology such as the DVD system to bolster maritime domain awareness.
The Philippine government has yet to issue an official diplomatic protest regarding the incident, but the Department of Foreign Affairs is expected to review the details and take appropriate actions to address this latest incursion.
Meanwhile, Gavan said the PCG’s surveillance operations will continue.
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