Today, the Philippine Coast Guard vessel, BRP Cabra, under the command of LCDR Hanna Yanez, a female skipper, is actively patrolling off the coast of Zambales to thwart attempts by the China Coast Guard to normalize their illegal patrols within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Despite the BRP Cabra being smaller in length compared to the Chinese Coast Guard vessels, PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan asserts that international law empowers our vessel to operate without intimidation. This confidence allows the BRP Cabra to challenge the China Coast Guard, thereby exposing their unruly behavior and bullying tactics to the international community.
The Philippine Coast Guard conducts its maritime patrols in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the 2016 Arbitral Award, and the Philippine Maritime Zones Act.
Yesterday, during an engagement with CCG-21612 in the vicinity of 132.97 WSW off Capon Grande, Zambales, or approximately 36.35 S off BDM, the Chinese Coast Guard increased its speed and maneuvered past the port side of the BRP Cabra, dangerously blocking its navigation route. This incident highlights the CCG’s non-compliance with the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS) and reflects a blatant disregard for safety at sea.
While coast guards are typically recognized as enforcers of maritime safety and humanitarian organizations, the actions of the People’s Republic of China diverge from these norms. Their illegal patrols jeopardize the lives of fishermen and legitimate law enforcement agencies alike.
The Philippine Coast Guard remains committed to supporting the policy direction of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. that is to assert our rights and jurisdiction while ensuring that we do not act as an agent of escalation in the West Philippine Sea.
