The Philippine Navy (PN) condemned on Tuesday, Jan. 7, the continued intrusion of China Coast Guard vessel “CCG-5901” also known as “The Monster” into the country’s waters.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is working with other concerned government agencies to vigilantly monitor the activities of the 12,000-ton, 165-meter intimidator, according to Rear Adm. Roy Vincent Trinidad, PN spokesperson for West Philippine Sea (WPS).

“The armed forces is continuing its mandate of patrolling the seas and the air. We will not be deterred in spite of the presence, the illegal presence of any foreign vessel,” he said.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said Monday night, Jan. 6, that CCG-5901, regarded as the largest coast guard vessel in the world, was monitored 148 kilometers (80 nautical miles) away from Lubang Island, Occidental Mindoro.

It was first detected 54 nautical miles off the coast of Capones Island in Zambales last January 4.

Commodore Jay Tarriela said the Chinese ship’s erratic movements indicate “it is not engaged in innocent passage”. Rather, he said it was conducting a law enforcement operation, as Beijing claims jurisdiction over the said waters.

The PCG said patrol ship BRP Cabra and two aircraft to shadow the movements of CCG-5901.

Meanwhile, the AFP said it has coordinated with allies and partner-nations such as the United States and Japan when the issue cropped up.

“We have an existing information-sharing agreement with our treaty ally and other partner nations,” Trinidad said.

The admiral admitted that the situation is “concerning” but he quickly added that the military will not be deterred by China’s intimidation.

“Yes, it is concerning. Not only the monster ship, but even the other intrusions in our EEZ [exclusive economic zone] in the West Philippine Sea,” he said. “We take this seriously.”