The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) deployed BRP MALABRIGO (MRRV-4402) since 20 June 2026 to challenge and drive away the China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel 5304 operating within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). As of today, BRP MALABRIGO has radio-challenged CCG-5304 numerous times but CCG vessel did not respond to any of these challenges.
During a Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) flight this morning, the PCG Britten-Norman Islander aircraft (PCG-251) flew over the location of CCG-5304, observed approximately 45.5 nautical miles west of Iba, Zambales. CCG-5304 has been loitering in the maritime area between 27.0 and 45.0 nautical miles west of Luzon since 16 June 2026. Its northernmost track approached as close as 27.29 nautical miles off Burgos, Ilocos Sur, while its southernmost track reached approximately 30.0 nautical miles off Capones Island. As of this evening, the vessel was observed 43.0 nautical miles west of Cabangan, Zambales.
It is worth noting that the movement pattern indicates that CCG-5304 is likely patrolling along the limits of China’s unlawfully claimed sea areas in the West Philippine Sea, as demarcated by its illegal nine- or ten-dash line — claims that were invalidated by the 2016 Arbitral Award.
The PCG remains steadfast in upholding the Philippines’ sovereign rights and jurisdiction within its maritime zones. We will continue to maintain our presence and conduct lawful patrols to ensure the safety of our maritime domain and protect the rights of our Filipino fisherfolk. The PCG, under the leadership of Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, remains committed to transparency in exposing the illegal and aggressive activities of China in the West Philippine Sea.
