A Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessel on surveillance in the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) was shadowed by a Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy helicopter and challenged the presence of a massive China Coast Guard vessel, CCG-5901, known as “The Monster.”
The CCG-5901 operated unlawfully within the Philippine EEZ for four consecutive days before being replaced by another Chinese ship, CCG-3103, prompting ongoing PCG patrols to assert territorial rights.
Zambales Rep. Jefferson Khonghun and the Akbayan party-list condemned these aggressive intrusions, urging stronger maritime defenses and international action.
PCG Commandant Adm. Ronnie Gil Gavan called for restraint to avoid escalation, while officials emphasized the need for diplomatic protests and enhanced monitoring.
The Philippines continues to assert its sovereignty amid China’s contested claims in the South China Sea, backed by the 2016 arbitral ruling rejecting the “nine-dash line.”
Source: PhilNews24 | January 9, 2025
