PCG continues to challenge China 'trespassing'

After withdrawing its biggest vessel nicknamed the “monster ship” from the waters of Zambales, the China Coast Guard (CCG) sent two ships to take over its illegal patrol in the West

- GHIO ONG

Philippine Sea, particularly near Panatag Shoal.

The arrival of the two Chinese ships with bow number 3103 and 3304 one after the other was detected by the BRP Teresa Magbanua, a 97-meter patrol ship of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

The Teresa Magbanua “conducted ongoing monitoring of the illegal presence of Chinese Coast Guard vessels exhibiting erratic movements along the coastline of Zambales province, approximately 70-80 nautical miles from shore,” PCG Commodore Jay Tarriela said in a statement.

The two CCG vessels replaced the “monster ship,” which had operated in Philippine waters for four days before sailing away.

“Despite this change, the objective of the Chinese deployment remains the same: to assert normalization and legitimacy in these waters,” Tarriela said.

Earlier, the