04 March 2023 – The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) personnel stationed on Pag-asa Island today, reported the presence of multiple Chinese vessels, including a People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLA) vessel, a China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel (CCG 5203), and forty-two (42) suspected Chinese Maritime Militia (CMM) vessels anchored nearby. The vessels were found approximately 4.5 to 8 nautical miles (NM) from Pag-asa Island which is within the island’s 12NM territorial sea.
The PLA Navy vessel and CCG 5203 have been observed loitering in the area, positioned 8NM and 4NM from the island, respectively. Fourteen (14) suspected CMM vessels are anchored near Pag-asa Cay 3, while twenty-eight (28) others are monitored around Pag-asa Cay 4.
Pag-asa Islands are part of the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG), West Philippine Sea (WPS) and a home to over 400 civilians, including 70 children, as well as military and civilian personnel.
The PCG emphasizes that the presence of these vessels contradicts the Philippines’ territorial rights, as outlined by the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award.
The PCG emphasizes that the presence of these vessels contradicts the Philippines’ territorial rights, as outlined by the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award. In response, the PCG is committed to its patrolling duties in the West Philippine Sea, as mandated by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
PCG Commandant Admiral Artemio M. Abu stated, “Our gallant men and women will continuously patrol our waters full of courage and determination,” highlighting their dedication to national service.