The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has detected two China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels operating within the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) off the coast of Pangasinan, further heightening concerns over Chinese incursions in the West Philippine Sea.

PCG spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela confirmed on Sunday, 2 February, that the vessels, identified as CCG-3301 and CCG-3104, were spotted approximately 34 nautical miles off Pangasinan through the PCG’s Dark Vessel Detection program.

To verify the sighting, the PCG deployed an Islander aircraft, which visually confirmed the presence of the two Chinese vessels at around 9:30 a.m. The PCG immediately issued a radio challenge, demanding an explanation for their presence, but received no response from the CCG.

“The illegal presence of these vessels within our exclusive economic zone is unacceptable. The PCG will continue to assert the country’s rights and will not allow any attempts to normalize such unauthorized patrols,” Tarriela said.

In response, the PCG dispatched two of its 44-meter patrol vessels, BRP Cabra (MRRV-4409) and BRP Bagacay (MRRV-4410), to Bolinao, Pangasinan, to confront the Chinese vessels and reinforce the Philippine government's stance against foreign intrusions.

The PCG has vowed to maintain its presence in the region and prevent any unauthorized foreign activity within Philippine waters.