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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PCG deploys ship to push back Chinese vessel amid rough seas off Zambales

PCG deploys ship to push back Chinese vessel amid rough seas off Zambales

Published Dec 6, 2025 01:51 pm
China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel with tail number "3303" is monitored 135 nautical miles off the coast of Zambales on Dec. 6, 2025. (Photo: Philippine Coast Guard)
China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel with tail number "3303" is monitored 135 nautical miles off the coast of Zambales on Dec. 6, 2025. (Photo: Philippine Coast Guard)
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) disclosed Saturday, Dec. 6, that it has expanded its patrol presence off Zambales with the deployment of BRP Cape San Agustin (MRRV-4408), which took over maritime operations after BRP Cabra (MRRV-4409) returned to port for resupply and crew rest, 
Commodore Jay Tarriela said the initiative ensured uninterrupted patrols as China Coast Guard (CCG) ships continued to linger near Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough or Panatag Shoal).
Despite battling two to three-meter waves, Tarriela said BRP Cape San Agustin managed to force CCG vessel with tail number “3303” to move farther seaward, now positioned about 135 nautical miles off the Zambales coastline, but still within the 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
Two other CCG ships, “3305” and “3502,” remained on radar as they loitered near the shoal in what the PCG described as illegal patrol activity within the country’s maritime zones.
“The Philippine Coast Guard remains steadfast in asserting the Philippines’ sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction over the West Philippine Sea, in full accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, Philippine Maritime Zones Act, and the final and binding 2016 Arbitral Award,” Tarriela said.
PCG Commandant Adm. Ronnie Gil Gavan noted that even with limited assets and harsh operating conditions, coast guard personnel “will remain resolute and will never back down in defending the nation’s maritime interests.”
The PCG has intensified patrol operations in Bajo de Masinloc to stop Chinese vessels from normalizing their presence in the area.
The shoal is located 124 nautical miles from the coast of Zambales, well within Manila’s EEZ.
Last Nov. 23, the PCG gave China a dose of its own tactics after BRP Cabra was deployed to Bajo de Masinloc and immediately shadowed two CCG vessels.
Read: Taste of your own medicine? PCG shadows 2 Chinese ships near Bajo de Masinloc
BRP Teresa Magbanua (MRRV-9701), the PCG’s flagship vessel, took over from BRP Cabra on Nov. 27, where it repeatedly issued radio challenges to Chinese vessels to keep them from inching closer to Zambales.
Read: 'Bantay-sarado?' PCG ship maintains steady watch on Chinese vessel near Bajo de Masinloc
After several days, BRP Cabra returned to Bajo de Masinloc to continue blocking CCG ships edging toward the country’s western coastline.
Read: PCG ship bars 3 Chinese ships from inching closer to Zambales coast
In the entire November, the military monitored 14,972 vessels that passed through the country’s maritime borders, including 19 Chinese warships.
Read: AFP: 19 Chinese warships spotted in WPS in November

Related Tags

PCG Bajo de Masinloc China West Philippine Sea Jay Tarriela
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