West PH Sea: PCG spots 3 more Chinese ships near Bajo de Masinloc

RETURN TO PH WATERS China Coast Guard vessel 5901, called “The Monster,” is seen in the waters off Zambales province in the West Philippines in this photo taken by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Jan. 11. —PHOTO COURTESY OF PCG

MANILA, Philippines — Three more Chinese vessels, including the so-called “monster ship,” were detected near  Bajo de Masinloc as the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) continues its monitoring efforts off Zambales.

Among the three Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) vessels were CCG 5901, approximately 99.37 nautical miles (nm) from Zambales; CCG 3502 at 131.70 nm; and CCG 3103 at 133.97 nm, based on a report issued by PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, Commodore Jay Tarriela, late Tuesday night.

This morning, the Philippine Coast Guard’s 44-meter vessel, BRP Cabra, arrived at Subic Port to unload the cadaver of a fisherman recovered yesterday. The vessel’s departure from an area where the Chinese Coast Guard has been illegally present prompted Commandant Admiral Ronnie… pic.twitter.com/tMd95stywh

— Jay Tarriela (@jaytaryela) January 28, 2025

Meanwhile, Tarriela disclosed that BRP Teresa Magbanua is actively challenging China Coast Guard vessel 3304, which was last seen about 82 to 88 nm from the Zambales shoreline.

READ: West Philippine Sea: PCG thwarts Chinese ship’s approach in Zambales

The PCG vessel replaced BRP Cabra on Monday, as the latter was tasked with transporting the body of a fisherman recovered from Silanguin Island to Subic Port. It arrived at the port to unload the remains on Tuesday morning.

“The PCG is committed to ensuring the safety of our fishermen, safeguarding our maritime jurisdiction, enforcing international law, and preventing escalation of tensions,” Tarriela said.

READ: West PH Sea: China ‘monster ship’ near Zambales ‘grave concern’ – Palace

Beijing’s continued aggression was 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 the 2016 arbitral ruling that effectively dismissed its claims and ruled in favor of Manila.