Zambales: China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel 5901, known as the “monster ship” due to its large size, remains off the coast of Zambales province, as reported by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

According to Philippines News Agency, PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea (WPS), Commodore Jay Tarriela, stated in a post on X on Wednesday night that the BRP Gabriela Silang has been actively monitoring the movements of the Chinese vessel. Tarriela highlighted that the movements of the CCG vessel have not been “continuous or expeditious,” suggesting that it is not in the area for “innocent passage.”

In response, Tarriela explained that the BRP Gabriela Silang has maintained a protective position through effective seamanship, keeping the CCG at a distance of 60-70 nautical miles from the Philippine coastline. He noted that the CCG vessel has issued radio challenges to the BRP Gabriela Silang, accusing it of violating the Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972 (COLREGs), in its efforts to stay in the area. However, Tarriela dismissed these allegations, emphasizing the more pressing issue of the CCG’s unauthorized presence within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

Tarriela asserted that the PCG’s close maneuvering against the CCG vessel is crucial to prevent it from nearing the Zambales coast. He affirmed that the PCG will continue monitoring the CCG vessel to protect the country’s maritime borders, stating that they will address any threats to the Philippines’ maritime jurisdiction, sovereign rights, and sovereignty in the WPS.

The National Maritime Council (NMC) has also voiced its opposition to the ongoing illegal presence and activities of Chinese maritime and militia forces in the Philippines’ EEZ. The NMC emphasized that the repeated Chinese incursions violate Republic Act 12064, the Philippine Maritime Zones Act, international law, and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. They also called attention to the 2016 arbitral ruling affirming the Philippines’ sovereign rights in its maritime zones, particularly in the West Philippine Sea.

In addition, Senator JV Ejercito condemned China’s aggressive actions in Philippine waters. He described the presence of the sizable CCG 5901 as a “deliberate show of force” aimed at intimidating Filipino fishermen and infringing on the country’s sovereignty. Ejercito stressed that the vessel’s presence within the EEZ is a clear breach of international maritime laws, including the 2016 Arbitral Ruling. He urged immediate actions to enhance the Philippines’ defense posture, modernize the PCG and Armed Forces, and strengthen multilateral agreements to expand joint patrols in the WPS, ensuring national security.