MANILA — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has detected an increase in China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels operating near the West Philippine Sea, particularly around Bajo de Masinloc and Pangasinan.
Chinese Vessels in Philippine Waters
During a virtual press briefing on Wednesday, PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, Commodore Jay Tarriela, reported the presence of five China Coast Guard vessels:
- Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal)
- CCG 5901 – also known as the “monster ship” (134 NM off Pundaquit, Zambales)
- CCG 3103 (103 NM from Palauig)
- CCG 3502 (156 NM from Pundaquit)
- New vessel: CCG 5303 (134 NM from Pundaquit)
- Near Pangasinan
- CCG 3304 (43 NM from Bolinao, Pangasinan)
- PCG vessel BRP Cabra was deployed to shadow this vessel.
PH Coast Guard Orders Heightened Surveillance
PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan has directed a Coast Guard aircraft to monitor the illegal presence of these Chinese vessels in Zambales and Pangasinan.
Suspicious Chinese Research Vessel Activity
Meanwhile, China’s fisheries research ship, Lan Hai 101, previously spotted in Sulu Sea, has turned off its automatic identification system (AIS).
- Last detected 62 NM off Babuyan Island, heading northward, possibly back to China.
- PCG calls the move “suspicious”, as the vessel entered the Philippines’ 24 NM contiguous zone.
China Defends Presence, PH Urges Compliance
China’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun insisted that the CCG is conducting “lawful patrols”, and called on the Philippines to stop “false accusations”.
However, the Philippine government continues to assert sovereignty, citing the 2016 Hague ruling, which invalidated China’s claims over the South China Sea.
With tensions escalating, the Philippines is ramping up maritime defense efforts against Beijing’s increasing presence.