Philippine Coast Guard Maintains Vigilance Amidst Illegal Deployment by China Coast Guard Vessel
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has relieved BRP Gabriela Silang (8301) with the 44-meter Multi Role and Response Vessel, BRP Suluan (MRRV-4406), to continue its vigilance in monitoring the Chinese Coast Guard vessel CCG-3304, which has been operating illegally off the coast of Zambales Province at an average distance of 60-70 nautical miles.
In a significant development early this morning, CCG-3304 was replaced by another Chinese vessel, bow number 3103. Although this new vessel is smaller than its predecessor, it measures 77.7 meters in length and 10.4 meters in width, making it still larger than the 44-meter BRP Suluan.
Despite challenging sea conditions with wave heights of 2-3 meters, BRP Suluan has maintained close monitoring of CCG-3103, effectively preventing the larger vessel from approaching the Zambales coastline. Furthermore, the PCG vessel has aggressively radio-challenged CCG-3103, asserting that its illegal presence violates the Philippine Maritime Zones Act, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and the 2016 Arbitral Award.
As of 9 PM this evening, current monitoring by the PCG indicates that the vessel commonly referred to as the “monster ship,” CCG-5901, is now 113 nautical miles away from Zambales but remains within the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) at a distance of 19 nautical miles from BDM. Meanwhile, CCG-3304 is approximately 105 nautical miles from Zambales, approaching BDM at a distance of 28 nautical miles. Additionally, CCG-3103 continues its illegal patrol off the coast of Zambales, currently 76 nautical miles from Pundaquit, Zambales.
The Philippine Coast Guard remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding the country’s maritime interests and upholding international law without escalating tensions.
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