MANILA. The Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) vessel 5901, also known as the “monster ship,” was monitored near Lubang Island in Occidental Mindoro on Monday morning, according to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea (WPS), Commodore Jay Tarriela, provided details during an interview with Super Radyo dzBB:
“Two days ago, na-monitor natin siya sa coastline ng Zambales, sa Capones Island, Zambales. Yesterday, umangat na siya sa northern part ng Zambales. Ngayong umaga, as we speak, it is 80 nautical miles away from Lubang Island, Occidental Mindoro,” said Tarriela.
On Saturday, the “monster ship” was first spotted 54 nautical miles off Capones Island, Zambales. This location is well within the Philippines’ 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
In response, the PCG deployed BRP Cabra, a helicopter, and the PCG Caravan aircraft to monitor the vessel’s movements. The PCG also challenged the Chinese ship, asserting that its presence was within the Philippine EEZ.
The PCG emphasized that the vessel’s presence is likely intended to intimidate Filipino fishermen in the area, although no harassment has been reported so far.
In a separate incident, the Philippine Navy is currently examining an underwater drone discovered in San Pascual, Masbate, on the eastern side of the country.
The drone’s ownership and capabilities remain undetermined, but the PCG noted that China has deployed underwater drones within the Philippine EEZ in the past.
The presence of the Chinese Coast Guard’s largest and most advanced vessel, often dubbed a “monster ship” due to its intimidating size and capability, has raised further concerns over China’s aggressive actions in the West Philippine Sea.
The Philippine Coast Guard and Navy are continuing their efforts to safeguard the nation’s sovereignty and maritime resources.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
