The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said it drove away a China Coast Guard (CCG) ship lingering off the coast of Zambales on Saturday, Feb. 1, but this prompted the latter's “monster” vessel to return.
BRP Teresa Magbanua (MRRV-9701) successfully maneuvered CCG ship “3304” further away from the coastline of Zambales, according to Commodore Jay Tarriela, PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
“Currently, CCG-3304 has been replaced by the CCG-5901, commonly referred to as the "monster ship." Despite this, the PCG is effectively maintaining a distance of approximately 110-115 nautical miles from the coast of Zambales,” Tarriela said.
He said the crew of the 97-meter-long BRP Teresa Magbanua remained undeterred by the presence of the massive CCG-5901, which measures 165 meters long, almost double the PCG’s vessel.
“The PCG has consistently asserted that the actions of the China Coast Guard are illegal and in violation of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), to which China is a signatory,” Tarriela said.
The PCG first monitored the presence of China’s monster ship off the coast of Zambales on Jan. 4. Maritime security analyst Ray Powell said the CCG deployed its vessels to the area since Jan. 1.
Nearly a month since, the CCG has maintained its presence off the coast of Zambales through the monster ship and other smaller vessels.
The National Security Council earlier called on the Chinese government to withdraw its ships but these apparently fell on deaf ears as the CCG insisted they were patrolling in areas they claim as part of their internal waters.