The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) recently confronted a China Coast Guard (CCG) ship found nearly 76 nautical miles off Palauig Point, Zambales—well within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
PCG spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela said on Sunday that the BRP Cabra (MRRV-4409) was dispatched on Saturday to challenge the presence of the CCG 3105 vessel, citing the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Despite rough sea conditions, the BRP Cabra engaged the Chinese ship, stressing its unauthorized presence in Philippine waters. The CCG vessel did not respond.
This action underscores Manila’s ongoing assertion of its maritime rights, backed by the 2016 arbitral ruling that invalidated China’s sweeping claims in the West Philippine Sea—though Beijing continues to reject the verdict and insists on “friendly consultations.”
In a separate mission, BRP Cabra responded to a distress call from the fishing boat FFB John John, which experienced engine trouble about 40 nautical miles southeast of Bajo De Masinloc. The PCG safely towed the vessel back to Subic Port, demonstrating its continued commitment to maritime safety and sovereignty.
The Marcos administration has filed over 150 diplomatic protests against China over similar incursions, reinforcing its firm stance in the region.