THE Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) yesterday said it would continue to challenge China’s deployment of vessels near Zambales, stressing such actions will become normal if not deterred.
In a statement, PCG spokesman for the West Philippine Sea Commodore Jay Tarriela said the recent deployment of Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) vessels near Zambales was rooted in China’s 10-dash line claim in the South China Sea.
The CCG first deployed its so-called monster ship near Zambales, well inside the country’s 200 nautical miles exclusive zone last January, followed by two smaller vessels.
“In our analysis of satellite imagery overlaid with the estimated grid coordinates of the fourth (of the 10) dash line, it is important to highlight that the justification for the China Coast Guard vessels is rooted in this dash line,” said Tarriela.
“The average distance ranges from 60 to 80 nautical miles, depending on the reference point on the protruding landmass of Luzon and other islands,” he added.
Zambales is about 124 nautical miles from Scarborough Shoal, also known as Bajo de Masinloc.
China gained control of the shoal in 2012 after a standoff with Philippine government vessels. Since then, Filipinos have been prevented by the Chinese from fishing inside the lagoon of the shoal.
“Their goal is to normalize such deployments, and if these actions go unnoticed and unchallenged, it will enable them to alter the existing status quo,” said Tarriela.
“This strategy of normalization, followed by altering the status quo and ultimately operationalizing their illegal narrative, has consistently been part of the Chinese playbook,” added Tarriela.
The PCG has been closely monitoring the activities of the Chinese vessels near Zambales, Tarriela said, adding the PCG has been pushing the Chinese away.
“This is why it is important for the Philippine Coast Guard to actively expose these unlawful deployments of Chinese vessels to the global community, ensuring that such actions are not normalized and that this bullying behavior does not succeed,” said Tarriela.
In a statement last Saturday night, Tarriela said PCG vessel BRP Teresa Magbanua has been a “formidable asset” in ensuring that CCG vessel 3304 “is gradually pushed away from the coastline of Zambales, achieving a remarkable distance of up to 97 nautical miles offshore.”
He said BRP Teresa Magbanua’s “strategic maneuvering” prompted China to tap the CCG vessel 5901 or the “monster ship” this afternoon, “as they attempt to outmaneuver the PCG vessel.
“However, the dedication and vigilance of the officers and crew remain unwavering; no amount of intimidation from the China Coast Guard can deter their resolve,” said Tarriela.
“Despite the imposing size of CCG-5901, the PCG vessel has boldly approached its starboard side at close range, effectively hindering the China Coast Guard vessel’s attempts to move towards the Zambales coastline,” added Tarriela.
He said the monster ship has replaced CCG 3304, adding the monster ship was some 97 nautical miles off the coast of Zambales, the previous position of CCG 3304.
“Furthermore, the PCG has consistently communicated over the radio, reminding the Chinese crew that they are unlawfully operating within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone and do not possess any legal authority to conduct maritime patrols,” said Tarriela.
Tarriela said PCG commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan has expressed his “admiration and trust in the gallant men and women of the BRP Teresa Magbanua.
“He (Gavan) believes they have fully grasped the President’s directives to maintain vigilance in accordance with the law while avoiding any escalation of tensions,” said Tarriela.
Tarriela said the PCG remains committed to safeguarding the country’s maritime jurisdiction and ensuring the rule of law within Philippine waters.