Malacañang expressed concern over a recent near-collision between vessels of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) in the West Philippine Sea.
“Our President is concerned, but we maintain professionalism and patriotism,” said Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro in a press briefing.
On Saturday, the PCG’s BRP Cabra was deployed to monitor a Chinese ship about 83 to 85 nautical miles off Palawig, Zambales. The following day, the Cabra nearly collided with the CCG vessel 3302.
PCG spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela described the 99-meter Chinese ship’s maneuver as “reckless and dangerous,” adding that the collision was averted due to the Cabra crew’s “seamanship skills and professionalism.”
The PCG said it was also monitoring a Chinese research vessel suspected of conducting an unauthorized survey near Batanes.
The Zhong Shan Da Xue was last located about 103.86 nautical miles off Itbayat, Batanes, on 7 April. It entered the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ) on 2 April and has been conducting maritime research without permission, according to Tarriela.
In related developments, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reported monitoring 40 Chinese vessels in the country’s EEZ the whole of March.
AFP Public Affairs chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad said the monitored vessels included eight People’s Liberation Army Navy ships and 14 CCG vessels in Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal), six CCG ships at Ayungin Shoal (Second Thomas Shoal), and seven PLAN and five CCG vessels at Sabina Shoal (Escoda Shoal).
“These vessels were not stationary but transited through the area,” Trinidad said. “Our efforts align with the country’s enhanced defense posture and reinforce the AFP’s mission to maintain regional stability.”