MANILA – The presence of the China Coast Guard’s (CCG) “monster ship” in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EZZ) is concerning, Malacañang said.
According to Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has been closely monitoring the Chinese “monster ship” since it kept on coming and going.
“We view it with concern. So far, we’ve been challenging the presence of that monster ship. Our Coast Guard has been very alert in following up the presence of that monster ship,” Bersamin said.
“Pasulpot-sulpot and it is within our exclusive economic zone. Maaring projection (of power) ang issue dito,” he added.
The CCG ship 5901, dubbed a “monster ship” due to its massive size of 12,000 gross register tons, was first spotted in the coastline of Capones Island in Zambales on January 4.
PCG’s BRP Cabra (MMRV-4409) and its aircraft, the Northern Luzon Command and other assets from the Area Task Force North and National Task Force West Philippine Sea are keeping a tight watch on CCG 5901.
Meanwhile, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said it will continue its maritime and air patrols in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) despite the illegal presence of foreign vessels.
“The Armed Forces is continuing its mandate of patrolling the seas and the air. We will not be deterred in spite of the presence, the illegal presence of any foreign vessel,” PN spokesperson for the WPS Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad said.
“Any intrusion, even if only (one) ship, is a concern of the AFP,” he added./PN
