PH challenges 2 Chinese vessels off Pangasinan

Metro Manila, Philippines - The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) challenged two Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) vessels illegally patrolling off Pangasinan on Sunday, Feb. 2.

The two CCG vessels, with bow numbers 3301 and 3104, were detected some 34 nautical miles off Pangasinan's coast.

PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gavan ordered the deployment of the agency’s Islander aircraft which launched a radio challenge. The CCG vessels gave no response.

Manila’s two 44-meter ships, BRP Cabra and BRP Bagacay, have been dispatched to Bolinao in Pangasinan.

Last week, the PCG also challenged a Chinese vessel illegally patrolling off Zambales.

China has repeatedly encroached on Philippine waters despite a 2016 ruling invalidating Beijing’s sweeping nine-dash line in the South China Sea, part of which is the West Philippine Sea.