The Philippine Coast Guard has seamlessly continued its maritime patrol operations off Zambales with the deployment of the 44-meter multi-role response vessel BRP Cape San Agustin (MRRV-4408), which relieved BRP Cabra the other day after the latter completed over a week of continuous operations and returned to port for logistics and crew rest.
Despite rough sea conditions with waves of 2–3 meters, BRP Cape San Agustin (MRRV-4408) skillfully maneuvered and successfully pushed the distance of Chinese Coast Guard vessel CCG-3303 further to approximately 135 nautical miles off the Zambales coastline. Meanwhile, CCG-3305 and CCG-3502 continue to be monitored on the vessel’s radar as they loiter and conduct unlawful patrols in the immediate vicinity of Bajo de Masinloc.
The Philippine Coast Guard remains steadfast in asserting the Philippines’ sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction over the West Philippine Sea, in full accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, Philippine Maritime Zones Act, and the final and binding 2016 Arbitral Award.
The PCG Commandant, Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, emphasized that, despite operating with limited assets and facing rough seas that endanger the safety of its personnel, the men and women of the Philippine Coast Guard will remain resolute and will never back down in defending the nation’s maritime interests—fully aligned with the firm directives of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
