ZAMBALES – A China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel came dangerously close to a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) ship on Sunday, shadowing and blocking it just 170 kilometers off the coast of Zambales.
Exclusive footage aired by GMA Integrated News showed Chinese vessel 3302 aggressively maneuvering near the PCG’s BRP Cabra, ignoring radio warnings and at one point closing the gap to just 16 meters.
PCG West Philippine Sea spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela said the situation could have ended in a collision if not for the expert navigation of Filipino coast guard sailors. “Thanks to the seamanship skills of our crew, we prevented a serious incident,” he said.
The BRP Cabra was conducting a routine patrol as part of the Philippines’ efforts to assert its presence in the West Philippine Sea. Tarriela emphasized that China’s repeated close encounters are aimed at strengthening its claim over the contested waters.
Meanwhile, a separate Chinese Coast Guard vessel was seen tailing the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources’ BRP Datu Bankaw near the Busuanga Islands in Palawan—just 100 nautical miles away.
In another development, a Chinese research vessel was spotted near Batanes shortly after US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced upcoming joint military exercises with the Philippines in the northernmost province.
Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez linked China’s persistent incursions to the country’s push to modernize its armed forces, including plans to acquire fighter jets by 2027.
The Chinese Embassy has not yet issued a response regarding the incident.