Two multi-role response vessels (MRRVs) of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) crossed paths and had a heated confrontation with the Chinese coast guard and navy while they were patrolling the West Philippine Sea (WPS), it was revealed Friday, April 28.

(File photo: Manila Bulletin)

Commo. Jay Tarriela, PCG adviser of the Commandant for maritime security and PCG spokesperson for WPS, said BRP Malapascua (MRRV-4402) and BRP Malabrigo (MRRV-4403) were deployed to the WPS from April 18 to 24 upon the orders of PCG Commandant Adm. Artemio Abu and in adherence with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s directive to increase the country’s presence in the Philippine territorial waters.

But on April 21, Tarriela said that a China People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy corvette with bow number 549 confronted the PCG vessels at seven nautical miles from Pag-asa (Thitu) Island.

 
(Courtesy of PCG)

Pag-asa Island, the largest out of the nine features occupied by the Philippines in the Kalayaan Island Group (Spratly Islands), is located about 480 km from Puerto Princesa City, Palawan.

“The encounter began when the Chinese gray ship challenged the presence of the PCG vessels over the radio and directed them to leave the area. The Chinese navy issued a warning to the PCG, suggesting that failure to comply might ‘cause problem,’” Tarriela said.

Despite this, Tarriela said the PCG vessels “did not back down and responded by asserting their rights” to carry out operations within the territorial sea of Pag-asa Island. 

“They further asked the Chinese navy to leave the area immediately instead,” he added.

Two days later, two Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) vessels identified as CCG 5201 and CCG 4202 intercepted the PCG MRRVs while they were in the vicinity of Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal. 

(Courtesy of PCG)

Ayungin Shoal is located at approximately 105 nautical miles (194 km) west of Palawan.

According to Tarriela, CCG vessels 5201 and 4202 “exhibited aggressive tactics” towards BRP Malapascua and BRP Malabrigo. 

(Courtesy of PCG)

He said CCG vessel 5201 was reported to have carried out dangerous maneuvers near BRP Malapascua by maintaining a perilous distance of only 50 yards. Meanwhile, CCG vessel 4202 persistently followed BRP Malabrigo at a distance of 700 yards while closely monitoring its movements.

“This close proximity posed a significant threat to the safety and security of the Philippine vessel and its crew,” Tarriela noted.

Another swarming?

Aside from this, the PCG vessels identified over 100 alleged Chinese maritime militia (CMM) vessels in the different areas of the WPS such as Sabina Shoal, Iroquis Reef, Lawak Island, Patag Island, Likas Island, Parola Island, Pag-asa Island, Tizzard Bank, Julian Felipe Reef, and Ayungin Shoal.

(Courtesy of PCG)

Among these, a notable 18 Chinese maritime militia vessels were detected near Sabina Shoal, an atoll in the Kalayaan Island Group. 

“Despite the numerous radio challenges by the two PCG vessels, the CMM did not respond or comply with the order to leave the area immediately,” Tarriela said.

(Courtesy of PCG)

Meanwhile, four additional CMM vessels “which appeared to be engaged in fishing activities” were successfully driven away by the PCG vessels from the territorial sea of Pag-asa at a distance of four nautical miles. 

There were 17 groups of CMMs that were also observed in the vicinity of Julian Felipe (Whitsun) Reef with an estimated total count of 116 vessels.

(Courtesy of PCG)

In response, the PCG vessels deployed their Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (RHIB) to disperse the large CMM gathering, according to Tarriela. However, no CMM vessels reacted or made any attempts to vacate the area.

Tarriela said the PCG already submitted a report to the National Task Force West Philippine Sea (NTFWPS) regarding the presence of a Chinese warship, the continued appearance of alleged CMM vessels within the Philippines' Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), and the aggressive actions of the CCG against PCG vessels.

“The PCG is dedicated, along with the Western Command (WESCOM) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and the Area Task Force - West (ATF-WEST), to diligently and tirelessly work together to protect the Philippines' exclusive sovereign rights in its EEZ, its sovereignty, territory, and continental shelf in the West Philippine Sea,” Tarriela stressed.