The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) recently detected two China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels about 34 nautical miles off the coast of Pangasinan, raising concerns over foreign incursions into the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
The foreign vessels were identified through the PCG’s Dark Vessel Detection program, prompting Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan to deploy an aircraft for further investigation.
The PCG confirmed the presence of the vessels, issuing a challenge over the radio, but the CCG vessels did not respond.
Two PCG ships, BRP Cabra and BRP Bagacay, were sent to Bolinao, Pangasinan, to reinforce the Philippines’ position against these incursions.
This follows a separate operation where the PCG successfully drove away a Chinese vessel off Zambales, though it was replaced by another vessel.
Source: PhilNews24 | February 3, 2025
