Philippine vessel blocks China ship off Zambales

MANILA, Philippines — A Philippine vessel held its position against a China Coast Guard (CCG) ship on Saturday, the Philippine Coast Guard has reported.

PCG spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela yesterday said the 44-meter multi-role response vessel BRP Cabra monitored the movements of CCG 3105 on March 8, and prevented it from approaching the Zambales coastline.

Despite wave heights reaching three to five meters, the Cabra maintained its position, keeping the CCG vessel at a distance of more than 95 nautical miles off the coast, Tarriela said.

The PCG continues to challenge what it describes as the illegal presence of the CCG in the West Philippine Sea, asserting that China’s actions violate international and domestic laws, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, the Philippines’ Maritime Zones Act, and the 2016 Arbitral Award.

Coast guard Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to protecting Philippine waters, saying the deployment of PCG vessels aims to prevent China from altering the status quo and normalizing its presence within the country’s exclusive economic zone.

“The PCG remains steadfast in upholding President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s commitment that not a square inch of Philippine territory will be surrendered to any foreign power,” Tarriela said.