China's ‘monster’ ship returns to the vicinity of Scarborough Shoal - PCG
Metro Manila, Philippines – China's large coast guard vessel has returned to the vicinity of Scarborough Shoal, or Bajo de Masinloc, according to the latest monitoring report from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
The Chinese vessel, CCG 5901, commonly referred to as "the monster," has been entering and exiting Philippine waters since January.
In a virtual press briefing, PCG Spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, Commodore Jay Tarriela, emphasized that they continue to challenge the vessel and prevent it from coming closer.
"The China Coast Guard 5901 is once again back in the vicinity of Bajo de Masinloc, now at a distance of 120 nautical miles," Tarriela said.
He also reaffirmed that the PCG remains committed to maintaining a presence in Zambales to prevent any illegal incursions by Chinese vessels.
"As far as our deployment is concerned, our intention is to prevent the China Coast Guard from getting closer to the coastline of Zambales. The only alarming reason we deployed the BRP Teresa Magbanua was because the Chinese ship came as close as 54 nautical miles on January 4," he added.
Tarriela explained that President Bongbong Marcos had directed the Coast Guard to take decisive action whenever such a presence was detected.
“President Marcos has given clear instructions to the Coast Guard: every time we monitor such a presence from the China Coast Guard, we must challenge them and inform them that they are violating international law,” said Tarriela.
Responding to the President’s statement that it would be difficult to drive away the "monster" ship, Tarriela reassured that the PCG has the capacity to prevent it from getting closer.
"I don't think the President is implying that we can't do it. As seen in the past days, since January 4, the Philippine Coast Guard vessel BRP Teresa Magbanua has vigilantly driven away the China Coast Guard’s 'monster ship' from 54 nautical miles, and it’s now being monitored at a distance of 110 to 120 nautical miles. The fact that we can do this means we have the capability to act," Tarriela said.
