China Coast Guard ‘dangerously’ blocked PH patrol ship off Zambales - PCG

Metro Manila, Philippines – A China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel blocked the path of a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) patrol ship during a maritime operation off the coast of Zambales, in what the PCG described as a violation of international navigation rules and a direct threat to maritime safety.

In a statement, the PCG said the incident occurred on Monday, April 14, as the BRP Cabra was conducting routine patrols to counter unauthorized presence of Chinese vessels within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

During its engagement with CCG-21612 near Capon Grande, Zambales—approximately 36.35 nautical miles south of Bajo de Masinloc—the Chinese ship reportedly increased speed and crossed dangerously close to the port side of the BRP Cabra, blocking its navigation route.

The PCG said the maneuver highlights the China Coast Guard’s non-compliance with the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS) and reflects a blatant disregard for safety at sea.

“This confidence allows the BRP Cabra to challenge the China Coast Guard, thereby exposing their unruly behavior and bullying tactics to the international community,” the PCG said.

The PCG stressed that its patrols are conducted in line with international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the 2016 Arbitral Award, and the Philippine Maritime Zones Act.

“Their illegal patrols jeopardize the lives of fishermen and legitimate law enforcement agencies alike,” the PCG added.