BRP Teresa Magbanua blocks ‘monster ship’ attempt to reach Zambales

11 Jan 2025, 23:02 by Dianne Raine U. Sampang · INQUIRER.NET

BRP Teresa Magbanua blocks the attempt of the Chinese Coast Guard 5901 “monster ship” to reach the Zambales coastline. —Photo from the Philippine Coast Guard

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Coast Guard’s (PCG) vessel BRP Teresa Magbanua has successfully blocked the attempts of China Coast Guard (CCG) 5901 “monster ship” to reach the shores of Zambales.

In a statement on Saturday, PCG said that the People’s Republic of China deployed the “monster ship” this afternoon, in an attempt to outmaneuver the PCG vessel.

“Despite the imposing size of CCG-5901, the PCG vessel has boldly approached its starboard side at a close range, effectively hindering the China Coast Guard vessel’s attempts to move toward the Zambales coastline,” PCG noted.

READ: PH ship challenges Chinese vessels off Zambales due to illegal presence

The PCG commended the crew and members of the BRP Teresa Magbanua in the continued vigilance despite intimidation from the Chinese coast guard.

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READ: As ‘Monster’ leaves, new Chinese ship takes its place off Zambales

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“Currently, CCG-5901 has replaced CCG-3304 and is now positioned 97 nautical miles off the coast of Zambales,” PCG added.

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PCG reported that the CCG vessel 3304 has been warded off the coastline of Zambales. On Friday, it noted that the ship was illegally sailing, approximately 70-80 nautical miles off the coast of Zambales.

PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Commodore Jay Tarriela previously said that the CCG 5901 was approximately 167 kilometers off the coastline of Zambales as of Wednesday afternoon.

“[T]he 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,” the statement stated.

The Philippines filed an arbitration case against China in 2013 following tensions at Scarborough Shoal, where Chinese vessels blocked Philippine authorities and prohibited Filipino fishermen from accessing the area.

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A 2016 Arbitration ruling affirmed the Philippines’ sovereign rights over the West Philippine Sea.