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Another China vessel deployed near Zambales
By J.Lo
“Philippine Coast Guard remains steadfast in its commitment in safeguarding country’s maritime interests and upholding international law without escalating tensions,” Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Commodore Jay Tarriela said China Coast Guard (CCG) sustained its presence in West Philippine Sea miles away from shores of Zambales province, with new patrol ship replacing another vessel and its “monster ship” almost 20 nautical miles away from Panatag or Scarborough Shoal.
The 77.7-meter CCG patrol ship with bow number 3103 took over position of CCG vessel with bow number 3304 with length of 111 meters, Tarriela said in statement last earlier.
Personnel onboard PCG’s 44-meter patrol vessel BRP Suluan flagged CCG 3103 that was spotted 65 nautical miles off coast of San Antonio, Zambales, according to video shared to journalists by Tarriela, PCG’s spokesman on West Philippine Sea issues. Suluan replaced BRP Gabriela Silang patrolled area since Jan. 15.
As usual, PCG through Suluan sent radio challenges to CCG 3103 also done to CCG 3304 and “monster ship” 165-meter CCG 5901 notifying it of violating Republic Act 12064 or Philippine Maritime Zones Act, United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and 2016 arbitral award upheld Philippines’ sovereign rights over its 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
BRP Suluan also detected three CCG ships within West Philippine Sea, according to Tarriela.
At 9 in the evening, CCG 5901 was around 19 nautical miles from Panatag or Scarborough Shoal also called Bajo de Masinloc, while CCG 3304 was approaching shoal at 28 nautical miles, and CCG 3103 was last spotted at 76 nautical miles off coast of Pundaquit in Zambales.
PCG patrol ship would continue to “closely monitor” activities of three CCG ships within West Philippine Sea, he declared.
Panatag Shoal, considered traditional fishing area for Filipinos, has been flashpoint for both Filipino and Chinese forces. Standoff in 2012 forced Philippines to file case against China at Permanent Court of Arbitration in 2012, led to landmark 2016 arbitral ruling.
Congress is committed to welfare and development of Pag-asa Island and its residents in Palawan, Speaker Martin Romualdez gave assured in message read on his behalf by committee on foreign affairs chairperson and Pangasinan Rep. Rachel Arenas during House delegation’s visit.
Delegation, led by House committee on foreign affairs, distributed food and grocery goods to the island’s 230 residents, including military and uniformed personnel last Jan. 6.
“I know challenges of being at distance from primary city, lack of facilities, and hardship of facing your needs each day.. despite of this, you remain strong,” Romualdez said, as he lauded residents’ resilience and dedication and vowed that Congress would not ignore their needs.
Romualdez also assured residents that government, under leadership of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., is fully committed to enhancing their welfare.
Among concrete measures announced was establishing rural health unit. The Speaker also highlighted ongoing and future livelihood programs aimed at providing economic opportunities for residents, promising that Congress will continue to push for necessary resources to help them thrive.
Boodle fight lunch was also held for military personnel stationed on the island, highlighting House’s recognition of their service and sacrifices.
Majority Leader Francis Tolentino said PCG should require its 4,000 new recruits to undergo crash course on newly enacted Philippine Maritime Zones Act (Republic Act 12064), particularly conflict in WPS, to help them better understand bounds of country’s territorial sea.
Tolentino, principal author of RA 12064, proposed crash course, through its spokesman Commodore Algier Ricafrente, interviewed on senator’s radio program “Usapang TOL.”
“Beyond basic training and physical formations, PCG’s new recruits must undergo crash course on Philippine Maritime Zones Act, would help them better understand metes and bounds of our territorial sea, international waters, exclusive economic zone, and so on…these are basic knowledge, but very important, especially when there are challenges[to foreign ships entering WPS, said Tolentino.
Ricafrente told Tolentino that new recruits, will be deployed to various regional offices, have bolstered PCG’s 35,000 personnel. He welcomed Senate’s recent passage of House Bill 10841, sets three-year fixed term for PCG commandant.
Ricafrente added measure would allow PCG leadership to carry out its long-term plans and programs, would benefit maritime safety and security.
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