China Coast Guard 5901, known as the "monster ship." ABS-CBN/File

MANILA -- An analyst on Sunday described the presence of the Chinese monster ship in Zambales as a "show of force," saying this move aimed to intimidate the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and Filipino fishermen as the year began.  

The PCG confirmed the presence of China Coast Guard vessel 5901 by Saturday afternoon and BRP Cabra and the aircraft "continuously challenged the presence of the Chinese Coast Guard, emphasizing that it was operating within the Philippines' Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in accordance with the Philippine Maritime Zones Law and UNCLOS."

READ: PCG keeps eye on China 'monster ship' heading west from Zambales

In an interview with ABS-CBN News, Prof. Renato de Castro said the passage of China Coast Guard's biggest vessel in Zambales waters wanted to show Beijing's anger to Manila.

"Pinamumukha talaga sa atin ng China na talagang pikon at galit na sila sa atin sa Pilipinas. Kumbaga china-challenge na natin yung kanyang pananakop sa West Philippine Sea and South China Sea. Kumbaga pinaparating natin sa China na hindi tayo aatras sa kanyang pananakop," said de Castro, who teaches international studies at the De La Salle University. 

De Castro added that China could argue that this is an innocent passage in international waters. 

"Umpisa pa lang ng taon ipinapakita sa atin: 'Huwag niyo kaming hamunin, huwag niyo kaming pikunin kasi kaya namin kayong tapatan' in fact durugin. Talagang show of force. Lantaran tayong dinuduro ng Tsina," he said. 

-- PCG to continue monitoring 'monster ship' --

Meanwhile, Commodore Jay Tarriela said the monster ship had already left the area and was headed west. Despite this, their monitoring would continue. 

"Wala siyang aggressive action na ginagawa. Hindi naman nag-carry out ng mga dangerous maneuvers or whatsoever," said Tarriela, PCG's spokesperson on the West Philippine Sea. 

"Kapag lumapit na tayo sa kanya, it is also moving away. So I think the deployment of the PCG vessel and the PCG aircraft is an effective way to deter yung China Coast Guard from moving closer sa ating coastline," he said. 

READ: PCG challenges Chinese Coast Guard vessel spotted off Zambales coast

The Chinese ship's presence, he said, could be geared towards legitimizing its presence near Bajo de Masinloc or Scarborough Shoal. 

"Itong way na ito ay ginagawa ng China to discourage the Filipino fishermen na mangisda sa vicinity ng Bajo de Masinloc. Due to the persistent patrol of the Philippine Coast Guard, mas tumaas ang confidence ng ating mga mangingisda na pumunta sa BDM," he said. 

BRP Cabra and PCG's aircraft, he emphasized, would not stop shadowing the monster ship. 

He also vowed to continue monitoring its actions to protect Filipino fishermen in the area.