BRP Teresa Magbanua (MRRV-9701), the Philippine Coast Guard’s (PCG) flagship vessel, sustained its patrol operation in Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough or Panatag Shoal) on Friday, Nov. 28, where a China Coast Guard (CCG) ship was operating.

Commodore Jay Tarriela, PCG spokesperson for West Philippine Sea (WPS), said BRP Teresa Magbanua repeatedly issued radio challenges to the CCG vessel with bow number “4305,” which was monitored 42.77 nautical miles southeast of Bajo de Masinloc or 103.15 nautical miles southwest of Capones Island, Zambales.

The BRP Teresa Magbanua has been deployed to Bajo de Masinloc since Nov. 27 to prevent Chinese vessels from inching closer to Zambales province.

Tarriela said PCG personnel asserted that the continued presence of CCG 4305 in the area violates international law and domestic rules, such as the 2016 Arbitral Award, which invalidated China’s sweeping claims in the South China Sea; the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and the Philippine Maritime Zones Act.

“These radio challenges underscore the Philippines’ unwavering commitment to defending its sovereign rights and jurisdiction within its exclusive economic zone, as affirmed by the 2016 Arbitral Award that invalidated China’s excessive maritime claims,” Tarriela said.

He added that the presence of the PCG vessel serves as a reassuring presence for Filipino fishermen operating around Bajo de Masinloc as it signals government support to ensure they can continue their livelihood without disruption or intimidation from foreign maritime forces.

According to the PCG, the vessel’s patrols remain professional and rules-based, with a focus on upholding maritime law while avoiding escalation in the West Philippine Sea.