The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessel BRP Cabra has successfully kept the Chinese Coast Guard vessel CCG-3103 at bay, preventing it from getting closer to the Zambales coastline.
According to PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, Commodore Jay Tarriela, the PCG vessel continues to monitor Chinese illegal activities within the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Tarriela shared that through skilled seamanship, BRP Cabra managed to push the Chinese vessel approximately 80 to 90 nautical miles away from the coast of Zambales.
The PCG crew also initiated hourly radio challenges to remind China of its violations of international law, reinforcing the country’s stance on the issue.
Earlier this week, BRP Cabra took over from BRP Suluan to maintain surveillance on the illegal presence of Chinese vessels in the region. The Chinese vessel CCG-3103 had replaced CCG-3304, which had been operating illegally for several days.
Tarriela emphasized that the Philippine Coast Guard remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting the nation’s maritime rights and enforcing international maritime laws, while also striving to avoid further escalation of tensions.
In addition, the Philippines has already filed a diplomatic protest regarding the presence of the Chinese Coast Guard and militia within the country’s EEZ.
Source: PNA