Philippine Coast Guard Conducts Vigilant Maritime Patrol, Shadows Chinese Vessels in West Philippine Sea

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The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) today reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the nation’s maritime domain as the BRP Cabra (MRRV-4409) successfully shadowed two China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels during a routine maritime patrol mission in the vicinity 26.22 nautical miles East of Bajo De Masinloc and 93.63 nautical miles West northwest of Paluig, Zambales.

Despite being outmatched in size—the 44-meter BRP Cabra facing the China Coast Guard vessels, 4305 (Type 301 Zhaokai-class 134-meter-Patrol Vessel) and CCG-3305 (Type 056A-derived 111-meter-Patrol Vessel / Shucha II-class Variant)—the PCG issued a firm radio challenge, ordering the Chinese ship to depart Philippine waters immediately. The challenge cited violations of the Philippine Maritime Zones Act, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and the 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling that invalidated China’s excessive maritime claims in the South China Sea.

The PCG stressed that it will continue routine and legitimate patrols to protect national sovereignty and prevent the normalization of unlawful Chinese presence. The operation was conducted professionally and in line with President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.’s standing guidance to assert Philippine rights peacefully without escalating tensions.