BRP Teresa Magbanua sustains vigilance vs. illegal CCG ship off Zambales

The BRP Teresa Magbanua  (PCG FILE PHOTO)

MANILA – The BRP Teresa Magbanua remains deployed off the coast of Zambales to deter the Chinese Coast Guard’s (CCG) illegal presence in the area, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said.

In a statement on Saturday, PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea (WPS) Commodore Jay Tarriela said a CCG vessel with bow number “3304” had been illegally sailing approximately 70 to 80 nautical miles off the coast of the province.

Teresa Magbanua’s unwavering presence, he said, is in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s policy direction to thwart the normalization and legitimization of the CCG’s illegal actions, which may lead to assertions of control over Philippine waters.

“The continued vigilance of BRP Teresa Magbanua serves as a proactive measure to ensure that Filipino fishermen can carry out their activities without the threat of harassment or intimidation,” he said.

“The deployment of the PCG’s white ship underscores a commitment to monitoring and maintaining a visible presence to deter illegal activities by the Chinese Coast Guard while adhering to principles of restraint and non-provocation.”

On Wednesday, the PCG reported sightings of CCG vessel “3103” heading to Zambales to replace CCG-5901, dubbed monster ship, after its five-day incursion into Philippine waters.

CCG vessel “3304” eventually replaced vessel “3103,” Tarriela said.