Philippine Coast Guard Monitors Illegal Presence of China Coast Guard Off Zambales
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Offshore Patrol Vessel, BRP Gabriela Silang, is actively overseeing the illegal deployment of China Coast Guard vessel 5901 off the coast of Zambales Province. Throughout the day, the movements of the China Coast Guard vessel have not been continuous or expeditious, failing to meet the necessary criteria for exercising the right of innocent passage.
In response, BRP Gabriela Silang has effectively maintained a protective position through skillful seamanship, successfully keeping the China Coast Guard at an average distance of 60-70 nautical miles from the Philippine coastline.
It is essential to note that while the China Coast Guard has conducted a radio challenge against the BRP Gabriela Silang, stating that it is violating the Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972 (COLREGs), this allegation disregards the more critical issue of the China Coast Guard’s illegal presence within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone. The PCG’s close maneuvering against the China Coast Guard vessel is vital to prevent it from approaching forward the Zambales coast.
The Philippine Coast Guard remains committed to safeguarding the nation’s maritime interests and will continue to monitor and address any threats to its maritime jurisdiction, sovereign rights, and sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea.
https://x.com/jaytaryela/status/1879515318470803837
