MANILA — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has successfully kept a Chinese vessel illegally operating off Zambales from nearing the province’s coastline, as it spotted the “monster ship” a few nautical miles away.
In a statement released late Sunday night, the PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, Commodore Jay Tarriela, said that despite BRP Cabra’s smaller size, it has prevented the China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel 3103 from advancing closer to Zambales.
“The PCG vessel has maintained the China Coast Guard vessel to keep a distance of 90-100 nautical miles away from the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone,” Tarriela said.
“It is noteworthy that, although BRP Cabra is only 44 meters in length, the Chinese Coast Guard has deployed CCG-3304 at a distance, appearing to serve as a supporting vessel for CCG-3103. Additionally, CCG-5901 (the monster ship) was also spotted a few nautical miles away from CCG-3103 later today,” he added.
According to Tarriela, the PCG has committed to prevent China from “altering the status quo by encroaching closer to the coastline of Zambales.”
“Our continued presence serves as a clear demonstration of our commitment to upholding our sovereign rights and a steadfast stance against any violations of international law, all while prioritizing a peaceful approach,” he said.
Also on Sunday, Tarriela criticized China for its attempt to impose a “new order” in the West Philippine Sea.
The PCG spokesperson criticized the CCG for threatening the BRP Cabra, warning that they would “take necessary measures” if it did not leave the area. He stated that China’s threat reflects its “desire to impose a new order that undermines the rules-based international system.”
“Their threats against the legitimate presence of the Philippines conducting maritime patrols—warning that if we do not leave, they will take necessary measures and we will bear the consequences—clearly indicate China’s desire to impose a new order that undermines the rules-based international system,” Tarriela wrote Sunday, January 26, on X (formerly Twitter).
“They appear intent on reverting to a system [that] might dictate what is deemed right, allowing powerful countries to impose their interests at the expense of others’ rights and jurisdictions,” he added.
Beijing’s continued aggression was based on its assertion of sovereignty over almost the entire South China Sea, including most of the West Philippine Sea, as it continues to reject the 2016 arbitral ruling that effectively dismissed its claims and ruled in favor of Manila.
The landmark ruling stemmed from a case filed by Manila in 2013, a year after its tense standoff with Beijing over Panatag Shoal, whose lagoon the latter now effectively controls. (Faith Argosino © Philippine Daily Inquirer)
