The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has been actively monitoring three Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) vessels (3304, 3301, and 4304) in the waters off Batanes since yesterday, following their detection by Canada’s Dark Vessel Detection system. In light of their irregular movements, the PCG deployed an aircraft to conduct Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) patrols in the northern region to challenge and document the CCG vessels’ movements.
The PCG Islander departed from Manila at 6:00 AM today, en route to the northernmost province of the Philippines. Upon locating the CCG-4304, the crew issued radio challenges, emphasizing that the vessel lacks legal authority to operate within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), approximately 75 nautical miles west off the coast of Sabtang, Batanes. Unfortunately, the CCG vessel did not respond. Consequently, adverse weather conditions and the distance to the other two CCG vessels (3304 and 3301) prevented the aircraft from reaching their locations.
The leadership of the PCG remains resolute and is prepared to deploy additional resources should the CCG vessels continue their presence or approach closer the Batanes coastline. The PCG is committed to protecting Philippine waters and will take necessary measures against any violations of the nation’s maritime jurisdiction.
