PCG Challenges Chinese Vessel in Exclusive Economic Zone, Vows Sustained Patrols

PCG Challenges Chinese Vessel in Exclusive Economic Zone, Vows Sustained Patrols

By Bing Jabadan – TheNATIONWEEK.com | June 23, 2026

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has intensified its maritime patrols off the western coast of Luzon, deploying one of its vessels to directly challenge a China Coast Guard (CCG) ship observed loitering within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ). This assertive move underscores the PCG’s commitment to upholding the nation’s sovereign rights amidst a persistent foreign presence.

Since Saturday, June 20, the BRP Malabrigo (MRRV-4402) has been actively monitoring and engaging CCG vessel 5304. Despite repeated radio challenges issued by PCG personnel aboard the BRP Malabrigo, the Chinese vessel has reportedly failed to respond, a pattern consistent with previous encounters.

The latest surveillance, conducted during a maritime domain awareness (MDA) flight on Monday, pinpointed the CCG ship approximately 45.5 nautical miles west of Iba, Zambales. Authorities confirmed that the Chinese vessel has maintained a continuous presence in the area since June 16, oscillating between 27 and 45 nautical miles off Luzon’s coast.

PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, Rear Admiral Jay Tarriela, elaborated on the CCG’s movements: “Its northernmost track approached as close as 27.29 nautical miles off Burgos, Ilocos Sur, while its southernmost track reached approximately 30.0 nautical miles off Capones Island. As of Monday evening, the vessel was observed 43.0 nautical miles west of Cabangan, Zambales.”

Tarriela further highlighted the strategic implications of the CCG’s behavior: “It is worth noting that the movement pattern indicates that CCG-5304 is likely patrolling along the limits of China’s unlawfully claimed sea areas in the West Philippine Sea, as demarcated by its illegal nine- or ten-dash line—claims that were invalidated by the 2016 Arbitral Award.”

Despite the continued presence of the Chinese vessel, the PCG remains resolute in its mission. “The Philippine Coast Guard remains steadfast in upholding the Philippines’ sovereign rights and jurisdiction within our maritime zones,” Tarriela affirmed. “We will continue to maintain our presence and conduct lawful patrols to ensure the safety of our maritime domain and protect the rights of our Filipino fisherfolk.”

The PCG also reiterated its unwavering commitment to transparency, vowing to continue exposing what it describes as China’s “illegal, coercive, aggressive, and deceptive (ICAD) activities” in the West Philippine Sea.

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