MANILA — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessel BRP Cabra (MRRV-4409) continues to challenge the advance of Chinese Coast Guard vessel CCG-21562 while monitoring CCG-3305 and CCG-4305 via radar in waters off Zambales.

Despite being significantly smaller, BRP Cabra has maintained a protective buffer of 85 to 100 nautical miles between the Chinese vessels and the outer boundary of the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

The PCG has repeatedly said that the presence of these Chinese Coast Guard vessels constitutes an illegal incursion into Philippine waters, violating the Philippine Maritime Zones Act, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and the 2016 Arbitral Award that invalidated China’s excessive maritime claims in the West Philippine Sea.

“The Philippine Coast Guard remains steadfast in defending our sovereign rights and maritime jurisdiction. The PCG will not tolerate any attempt to unilaterally alter the status quo along the Luzon coastline through encroachment,” the agency said.

BRP Cabra’s sustained presence highlights the Philippines’ commitment to upholding international law while pursuing peaceful and rules-based solutions in the West Philippine Sea.