MANILA — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported a higher presence of Chinese maritime forces—including the People’s Liberation Army Navy, China Coast Guard (CCG), and Chinese Maritime Militia—around Bajo De Masinloc (BDM) last year, PCG spokesperson Jay Tarriela said.

“In our annual report, we noted a higher number of Chinese maritime forces—including the PLA Navy, China Coast Guard (CCG), and Chinese Maritime Militia—in Bajo De Masinloc last year. In addition to this overall increase, CCG vessels conducting illegal patrols have been operating progressively closer to the Luzon coast, from Ilocos down to Mindoro. The closest recorded approach occurred on 08 April 2025, when a CCG vessel reached 23 nautical miles from the coast off Dasol, Pangasinan,” Tarriela said.

He noted that this represents a shift from 2024, when CCG vessels mainly operated within a 10–15 nautical mile radius of BDM. The extended operations have displaced Filipino fishermen farther from their traditional fishing grounds, as CCG vessels reportedly drove them toward the Luzon coast.

In response, the PCG significantly increased its presence in the area last year. “On average, PCG vessels spent nearly 27 days per month at sea in the vicinity of BDM, maintaining a sustained presence to prevent the normalization of illegal CCG activities and to protect Filipino fishermen,” Tarriela added.