The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Thursday reported an increased presence of Chinese maritime forces, including warships, around Bajo de Masinloc in 2025 compared to 2024.

“In our annual report, we noted a higher number of Chinese maritime forces — including the People’s Liberation Army Navy, China Coast Guard, and Chinese Maritime Militia — in Bajo de Masinloc last year,” PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, Commodore Jay Tarriela said.

He said CCG vessels conducting what the Philippines considers illegal patrols have also been operating closer to the Luzon coastline.

“CCG vessels conducting illegal patrols have been operating progressively closer to the Luzon coast, from Ilocos down to Mindoro,” Tarriela added.

Tarriela said the closest approach was recorded on 8 April 2025 when a CCG vessel came within 23 nautical miles of the coast of Dasol, Pangasinan.

This marked a shift from 2024 when CCG vessels primarily operated within a 10 to 15-nautical mile radius of Bajo de Masinloc, he said.

“As a direct consequence, Filipino fishermen have been displaced farther from Bajo de Masinloc, as CCG vessels have aggressively driven them toward the Luzon coast and away from their traditional fishing grounds,” Tarriela said.

He said the PCG significantly extended its presence in the area to prevent the normalization of CCG activities and to protect Filipino fishermen.

“On average, PCG vessels spent nearly 27 days per month at sea in the vicinity of Bajo de Masinloc,” Tarriela said.

Bajo de Masinloc is located 124 nautical miles off Masinloc, Zambales, and is within the Philippines’ 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone.

Amid the continuing tensions, Philippine Navy spokesperson Capt. Marissa Martinez said the newly commissioned guided missile frigates BRP Miguel Malvar and BRP Diego Silang, along with the soon-to-be commissioned offshore patrol vessel BRP Rajah Sulayman, will enhance the Navy’s operational reach.

“With the addition of more ships, we will be able to extend the operational reach of the Navy across the maritime domain,” Martinez said.

Meanwhile, a civic leader, Dr. Jose Antonio Goitia, said the recent exchange of words between Tarriela and China’s embassy in Manila is a challenge for the Philippines to let the truth out. 

“What the Coast Guard is presenting are records, not rhetoric,” emphasized Goitia, chairman emeritus of Alyansa ng Bantay sa Kapayapaan at Demokrasya, People’s Alliance for Democracy and Reforms, Liga Independencia Pilipinas, and the Filipinos Do Not Yield Movement.