PCG calls out China’s dangerous maneuvers, head-on collision attempt off Zambales

Metro Manila, Philippines — A Chinese Coast Guard vessel conducted dangerous maneuvers and attempted to block a Philippine vessel on patrol off the coast of Zambales, resulting in a near-collision incident, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported Sunday.

In a statement, the PCG said its patrol ship BRP Cabra was shadowed and blocked by China Coast Guard vessel 3302 (CCG 3302), despite continuous radio communications.

"The China Coast Guard vessel 3302 has engaged in reckless and dangerous maneuvers, displaying a blatant disregard for safety," the PCG said.

The agency further reported that there was an attempted head-on collision with the smaller BRP Cabra.

"An attempted head-on collision with the smaller PCG vessel, raising concerns about the China Coast Guard's adherence to the Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972 (COLREGs), of which they are a signatory. It is only through the seamanship skills and professionalism of the crew of BRP Cabra that such a collision was narrowly averted," the statement added.

Despite the incident, the PCG said BRP Cabra was able to fend off the Chinese vessel, which as of Sunday was located approximately 92 to 96 nautical miles off Capones Island in Zambales.

"This demonstrates the PCG's commitment to safeguarding Philippine maritime interests and preventing the normalization of unlawful activities by the People’s Republic of China in the West Philippine Sea," it added.

Senator Francis Tolentino condemned the actions of the Chinese Coast Guard near Scarborough Shoal, calling them "reckless and dangerous."

"Not only did this aggressive maneuver endanger the lives of our brave maritime personnel, but also constitutes a blatant violation of international law and the Philippines’ sovereign rights," he said.

"As China continues to undermine our maritime peace and stability, I call on the international partners to hold China accountable for its blatant disregard for the rule of law," he added.