Chinese Coast Guard vessel 3304 staying off the coast of Zambales on January 10, 2025. Photo from Philippine Coast Guard

MANILA — Coast Guard patrol ship BRP Teresa Magbanua (MRRV-9701) remains off the coast of Zambales to keep an eye on Chinese Coast Guard vessel 3304, which is conducting an illegal patrol in Philippine waters, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said Saturday.

On Thursday, January 9, authorities spotted and challenged several Chinese ships sailing approximately 70 to 80 nautical miles west of Capones, Zambales.

Commodore Jay Tarriela, PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, said in a statement that BRP Teresa Magbanua made it clear through radio that Chinese vessels have no legal authority to patrol within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

"In accordance with Republic Act 12064, the Philippine Maritime Zones Act, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, of which you [China] are a signatory state, and 2016 arbitral award, you do not possess any legal authority to patrol within the Philippine exclusive economic zone. You are directed to depart immediately and notify as of your attention," the PCG told CCG 3304 through radio.

Beijing has repeatedly ignored the 2016 arbitral ruling that invalidates is sweeping claim over the South China Sea, including the part within the Philippine EEZ and continental shelf. 

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It has also blamed the Philippines and its security partners for tension in the waters that has led to China's use of water cannons and aggressive maneuvers like ramming against Philippine Coast Guard ships conducting patrols and resupply missions.

From Wednesday to Thursday, PCG monitored CCG 3103 and 3304 in waters off Zambales. The Coast Guard said it was an attempt at "normalization and legitimacy" of Chinese deployment in Philippine waters.

The PCG said Saturday that the sustained deployment of BRP Teresa Magbanua, its largest vessel, is part of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr'.s policy to prevent the normalization of China's illegal actions in the West Philippine Sea.

Tarriela said letting Chinese ships go unchallenged "may lead to assertions of control over these waters."

The Coast Guard added the deployment of BRP Teresa Magbanua is also meant to make sure Filipino fishers can "carry out their activities without the threat of harassment or intimidation."

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It also stressed that the deployment of a Coast Guard ship instead of one from the Philippine Navy "[adheres] to principles of restraint and non-provocation."

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