PCG ship bars 3 Chinese ships from inching closer to Zambales coast
A Chinese vessel with bow number "21562" is monitored operating in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) on Nov. 30, 2025. (Photo: Philippine Coast Guard)
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has tightened its watch over waters off Zambales as the patrol vessel BRP Cabra (MRRV-4409) continued to block the advance of three Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) ships inching toward the country’s western coastline.
PCG spokesperson for West Philippine Sea (WPS) Commodore Jay Tarriela said the BRP Cabra has maintained a protective buffer zone estimated at 85 to 100 nautical miles between a CCG vessel with bow number “21562” and the outer edge of the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) on Sunday, Nov. 30.
Despite its smaller size, the PCG vessel has held its position while also tracking two other CCG ships, CCG-3305 and CCG-4305, through radar.
Tarriela said the latest standoff reflects a shift in China’s pattern of movement as its vessels attempt to approach closer to the Luzon mainland rather than lingering in usual hotspots near the Kalayaan Island Group.
The PCG stressed that the presence of the Chinese ships inside the country’s maritime zones remains unauthorized and violates the Philippine Maritime Zones Act, United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and the 2016 arbitral ruling.
“The Philippine Coast Guard remains steadfast in defending our sovereign rights and maritime jurisdiction. The PCG will not tolerate any attempt to unilaterally alter the status quo along the Luzon coastline through encroachment,” Tarriela said.
He stressed that BRP Cabra’s persistent patrols underscore Manila’s resolve to defend its maritime jurisdiction through lawful and peaceful means.