PCG: China ‘monster ship’ leaves Zambales, but new vessel heads to spot

(Photo courtesy of PCG)

MANILA, Philippines — China’s “monster ship” has left the coastline of Zambales, but another Chinese vessel is heading to the area it vacated, according to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

In a report, the PCG said the monster ship — China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel 5901— is now 90 nautical miles from shore.

It, however, pointed out that another vessel, CCG 3103, left Guangdong Province on Tuesday and is now on its way to CCG 5901’s previous spot.

READ: China’s ‘monster ship’ off Zambales an act of aggression

“As of 3 p.m. today, CCG 3103 was detected by Canada’s Dark Vessel Detection at a distance of 60 nautical miles from Pandaquit, Zambales,” said PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Commodore Jay Tarriela.

“This indicates that CCG 3103 is likely serving as a replacement vessel for the monster ship, thereby sustaining its illegal presence within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone,” he added.

(Photo courtesy of PCG)

In response to this, Tarriela said PCG Commandant, Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan deployed the PCG Islander to the area where the CCG 3103’s presence was detected.

He added that BRP Cabra is also on its way to the location “to monitor and challenge” the presence of the Chinese vessel.

Over the weekend, Tarriela confirmed the CCG vessel’s presence about 54 nautical miles off the coast of Capones Island.

Beijing’s continued aggression is based on its assertion of sovereignty over almost the entire South China Sea, including most of the West Philippine Sea, as it continues to reject a July 2016 Arbitral Award that effectively dismissed its claims and ruled in favor of Manila.

The landmark ruling stemmed from a case filed by Manila in 2013, a year after its tense standoff with Beijing over Panatag Shoal, whose lagoon the latter now effectively controls.