As of 3 PM today, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reports the presence of two vessels from the China Coast Guard with bow numbers CCG 3306 and CCG 21549, which have been observed shadowing the Atin Ito convoy approximately 58 nautical miles off the coast of El Nido.
To safeguard the civilian vessel MV Kapitan Oca, carrying both Filipino and foreign civilians, the PCG Commandant, Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan has deployed its two vessels, BRP Melchora Aquino and BRP Malapascua.
In response to the unauthorized patrol by the China Coast Guard, the PCG vessels have initiated radio communications to challenge CCG 3306’s claim of operating under the jurisdiction of the People’s Republic of China. BRP Melchora Aquino has asserted that this area lies within the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of the Philippines, emphasizing that the China Coast Guard vessels lack legal authority over these waters, as outlined by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 Arbitral Award.
At present, CCG 3306 is located 4 NM nautical miles from the Atin Ito vessel, while CCG 21549 is also positioned 4 NM nautical miles away.
The Philippine Coast Guard remains dedicated to ensuring the safety and security of all civilians participating in the civil society-led musical concert on Pagasa Island.
