The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) continued its surveillance operations off the coast of Zambales, detecting three more Chinese vessels, including a so-called “monster ship,” near Bajo de Masinloc.
The three Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) vessels were identified as CCG 5901, about 99.37 nautical miles from Zambales; CCG 3502, 131.70 nm; and 133.97 nm in the West Philippine Sea, identified as CCG 3103, according to a report issued by PCG spokesperson Commodore J. Tariel.
Meanwhile, a Chinese coast guard vessel, 3304, which was last seen 82 to 88 kilometers off the coast of Zambales, Tariel revealed that it was actively challenging BRP Teresa Magbanua.
The PCG vessel was tasked with transporting the body of a fisherman found on Silanguyin Island to the Port of Subic on Monday, replacing the BRP Cabra, which arrived at the port on Tuesday morning to load the body.
“The PCG is committed to ensuring the safety of our fishermen, protecting our maritime jurisdiction, enforcing international law and preventing escalation of tensions,” Tariel said.
Beijing’s continued aggression was based on its claim of sovereignty over almost the entire South China Sea, including most of the West Philippine Sea, which was effectively rejected by a ruling in Manila’s favor in 2016.
