Chinese Vessels Scatter After Being Challenged by Philippine Coast Guard
The Philippine Coast Guard successfully dispersed five Chinese vessels loitering in the Marie Louise Bank in the West Philippine Sea last week, the PCG said in a statement on July 4. The incident happened within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
According to Commodore Armand Balilo, PCG spokesman, the BRP Cabra sighted seven foreign ships in 147 nautical miles away from El Nido, Palawan on June 30. The radio operator on BRP Cabra challenged the Chinese vessels in accordance with the PCG’s protocols on the use of force within the country’s EEZ.
Also within the area is a Filipino fishing vessel named F/B Xiroxira, which was carrying 34 Filipino fishermen. The coast guard checked on the condition of the fishermen, who were able to fish in the area without harassment from Chinese vessels.
The Philippine Coast Guard and the Philippine Navy have stepped up patrols in the West Phlippine Sea since March.
