The Philippine Navy staged sovereignty patrols and unilateral exercises near Bajo de Masinloc on Friday, emphasizing operational readiness as China’s “monster ship” continues to loom off the Zambales coast.
In a statement, the Navy said its offshore combat ships, including the multi-mission frigate BRP Antonio Luna (FF151) and Del Pilar-class patrol vessels BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS16) and BRP Andres Bonifacio (PS17), participated in the drills. The exercises aimed to sharpen crew skills in handling advanced systems and surface operations.
“The conduct of this routine unilateral exercise demonstrates the importance of training as an effective tool to achieve and maintain the level of readiness and interoperability,” the Navy stated, highlighting its mandate to protect territorial integrity.
Rising Tensions Near Scarborough Shoal
The drills followed Manila’s diplomatic protest against the continued presence of China’s Coast Guard vessel 5901, dubbed the “monster ship.” National Task Force-West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) spokesperson Jonathan Malaya expressed alarm and demanded the vessel’s withdrawal.
“We have made a clear request and demand with the Chinese government to withdraw their ship,” Malaya said.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has actively monitored the situation, with BRP Gabriela Silang ensuring the Chinese vessel remains 70 nautical miles from Zambales’ coast. The PCG accused the ship of violating the Philippine Maritime Zones Act, UNCLOS, and the 2016 Arbitral Award that invalidated China’s sweeping claims in the South China Sea.
China Defends Actions
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun reiterated China’s historical claims over the South China Sea, asserting the patrols were lawful. He urged the Philippines to cease “provocations and false accusations.”
Despite the Hague tribunal ruling favoring the Philippines in 2016, Beijing continues to dismiss its validity. The contested waters remain a flashpoint for regional tensions, with China asserting sovereignty over nearly the entire South China Sea, overlapping claims from Southeast Asian nations.
Continued Vigilance
The Philippine Navy and Coast Guard vowed to maintain patrols in the West Philippine Sea, upholding the nation’s territorial rights.