As the presence of the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) remained persistent despite repeated warnings from Philippine authorities, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) told the Chinese vessels to maintain a safe distance from Filipinos who are fishing in Philippine waters.

“This morning, BRP (Teresa) Magbanua diligently ensured the protection of Filipino fishing boats in its patrol area, while also distributing food packs to support local fishermen,” it said in a statement.

“The PCG has firmly communicated to CCG-3304 the necessity of maintaining a safe distance from Filipino fishing boats, stressing that its presence poses a significant threat to the safety of both the fishermen and their vessels,” it added.

The PCG also emphasized the sovereignty of the Philippines over the waters the PCG was patrolling.

Last week, the PCG successfully pushed CCG-3304 further away from the coast of Zambales. It is now estimated to be positioned 100-105 nautical miles away from Zambales.

In addition, there are also three other vessels operated by the CCG which is being monitored by the PCG. These are the CCG-5901 or the monster ship, positioned 103.63 nautical miles away from Zambales; CCG 3502, positioned 115.22 nautical miles away; and CCG 3103, positioned at 134.10 nautical miles away.

The PCG asserted the Philippines’ rights over the coast of Zambales stressing that Filipino nationals have the legal right to fish in the area as stated in Republic Act 12064, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and the 2016 arbitral award.

The PCG reminded the Chinese Coast Guard that it lacks any legal authority to patrol within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone and has instructed the vessel to vacate the area immediately.

This is the latest activity between the Philippine and Chinese Coast Guards in the long-standing fight over the disputed waters in the South China Sea and the West Philippine Sea.

In 2016, the Philippines won the arbitral ruling rejecting the territorial claims of China in Philippine waters which are considered as part of the exclusive economic zone. Since then, Beijing has rejected this ruling and maintained its claims.