Chinese Coast Guard blocks BRP Cabra near Bajo de Masinloc in a dangerous encounter on Monday, April 14, while the Philippine vessel was conducting a maritime patrol.
China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel 21612 executed a high-speed maneuver and crossed the port side of BRP Cabra in a hazardous interception, according to Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela.
In a statement, Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela reported that the CCG vessel sped up, maneuvered, and passed through the port side of BRP Cabra, dangerously blocking its path.
The confrontation occurred approximately 132.97 nautical miles southwest of Capon Grande in Zambales, or around 36.35 nautical miles south of Bajo de Masinloc.
The PCG emphasized that the CCG’s actions violate the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea and show blatant disregard for maritime safety.
The vessels also exchanged radio challenges during the standoff.
On Tuesday, April 15, BRP Cabra, under the command of Lieutenant Commander Hanna Yanez—a female skipper—resumed its active patrol off the coast of Zambales to deter continued Chinese patrols inside the Philippine exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
Despite the BRP Cabra being significantly smaller than the Chinese vessel, PCG commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan asserted that international law empowers the Philippine ship to patrol fearlessly.
This confidence, he said, enables BRP Cabra to challenge the CCG, exposing their unjust actions and bullying tactics to the international community.