PCG challenges China ‘monster ship’ seen near Zambales

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) challenged the largest ship of the China Coast Guard (CCG), which was spotted 54 nautical miles off Capones Island, Zambales on Saturday.

Using Canada’s dark vessel detection system, the PCG detected the presence of the Chinese vessel, a 165-meter-long CCG ship with bow number 5901, dubbed “The Monster.”

In response, PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan dispatched the BRP Cabra, a helicopter and a Caravan aircraft to confirm the sighting and assert the Philippines’ territorial rights.

By 5 p.m., PCG assets verified the vessel’s presence and personnel challenged the ship, citing Philippine jurisdiction under the Maritime Zones Law and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). 

Around 8 p.m., the BRP Cabra reported the ship had moved westward and was 85 nautical miles from Zambales, but monitoring operations continued.

“The PCG remains committed to ensuring Filipino fishermen can operate safely and without harassment within our EEZ,” Commodore Jay Tarriela, PCG spokesman for the West Philippine Sea, said.

Tarriela noted the prolonged presence of CCG vessels near Bajo de Masinloc (Panatag or Scarborough Shoal), a traditional fishing ground for Filipinos.

However, the appearance of the CCG’s “monster ship” closer to the Zambales coastline, Tarriela said, marked a concerning development.

“Their presence appears to aim at legitimizing their activities near Bajo de Masinloc and discouraging Filipino fishermen from operating in the area,” Tarriela said, emphasizing that such actions violate international law. 

The 2016 arbitral ruling under UNCLOS invalidated China’s claims to the shoal and surrounding waters.

Tarriela also confirmed the discovery of a Chinese underwater drone off the coast of Masbate, marking the first instance of such a find on the eastern seaboard.

While previously recovered drones were found in the West Philippine Sea, Tarriela said that the new development raises additional concerns about China’s unauthorized activities in Philippine waters.

“This is being used for scientific research by China, which is illegal and in violation of UNCLOS,” Tarriela stated.

The PCG stressed its priority to protect Filipino fishermen from harassment and maintain a strong presence in the EEZ. 

“Every time a Chinese Coast Guard vessel approaches our coastline, we will monitor and challenge its presence to ensure our fishermen can operate freely,” Tarriela said.