The National Security Council (NSC) has expressed concern over the presence of the China Coast Guard’s (CCG) largest vessel, 5901 — referred to as the “Monster” ship — within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ). Despite this, the NSC assured the public of continued vigilant monitoring of the foreign vessel.

In a public briefing on Monday, NSC spokesperson Jonathan Malaya said Philippine marine and aerial assets are closely observing the 165-meter-long vessel, which has been navigating the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

Close monitoring by Philippine assets

Malaya reported that the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG)’s BRP Cabra (MRRV-2209) is actively tracking the Chinese vessel. Meanwhile, the military’s Northern Luzon Command remains on standby.

“Hindi po natin ito pinababayaan ano, tuloy-tuloy ang ating radio challenge at sinisiguro natin na wala itong ginagawang masama sa loob ng ating exclusive economic zone (We are not letting this slide; we continue our radio challenges and ensure it is not engaging in unlawful activities within our EEZ),” Malaya emphasized.

He described the presence of the Monster ship as “alarming,” citing its potential impact on the livelihood and security of Filipino fishermen in their traditional fishing grounds.

Malaya stated that deploying the massive vessel could be part of China’s strategy to intimidate and assert its illegal claims over the WPS.

“It seems part of intimidation, part of China’s coercion, aggression, and deception. They are showing off that they have this huge ship and scaring our fishermen to stop fishing in the West Philippine Sea,” he stressed.

In response, Malaya affirmed the Philippines’ commitment to intensifying its presence in the WPS. Philippine vessels continue to radio challenge the Monster ship and conduct monitoring operations to ensure no provocative actions occur.

Diplomatic standoff

In a recorded radio challenge, personnel from CCG 5901 asserted China’s sovereignty over the South China Sea, dismissing the 2016 Arbitral Award and claiming the area as their jurisdictional waters.

“This is China Coast Guard, vessel 5901. I'm performing law enforcement duties on the jurisdictional waters of the People's Republic of China. The so-called award for the South China Sea arbitration is illegal and invalid. China neither accepts it nor recognizes it,” the CCG stated.

“I hope you will safeguard peace and stability in the South China Sea and maintain mutual trust and cooperation between our countries with concrete action, over!” China’s radio challenge continued.

The PCG countered with a firm response, citing the Philippines’ sovereign rights under international law and urging the Chinese vessel to leave.

“China Coast Guard, 5901. Under Republic Act 1206 for the Philippine Maritime Zones Act, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the 2016 Arbitral Award. you do not possess any legal authority to patrol within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone. You are directed to depart immediately and to notify us of your return,” the PCG responded.

PCG spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela revealed that the PCG Commandant Admiral Ronniel Gil Gavan has deployed the PCG Islander aircraft to support operations against the Monster ship. The aircraft will document potential incidents and ensure rescue operations can be initiated if necessary.

“The PCG will continue to take deliberate and appropriately measured actions to challenge the illegal presence of the Chinese Coast Guard until it ceases its violations of the Philippines’ sovereign rights in these waters,” he said.

China’s Monster ship has reportedly been anchoring in Philippine waters, particularly near Ayungin Shoal and Escoda (Sabina) Shoal, since last year.