Two Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) vessels, identified as CCG 3301 and 3104, were spotted approximately 70 to 75 nautical miles off the coast of Luna, La Union, on Monday, February 3.
The vessels were initially detected 34 nautical miles off the coast of Bolinao, Pangasinan, marking the closest recorded deployment of Chinese ships near the Philippine coastline, according to Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, Commodore Jay Tarriela.
In an interview, Tarriela stated that the two CCG vessels came from Mindoro, moved toward Pangasinan, and were later spotted near La Union.
Unlike the so-called “monster ship” that lingers near Zambales, the two CCG vessels have been actively moving, making their intentions unclear.
The Philippine Coast Guard has deployed BRP Cabra and BRP Bagacay to shadow and challenge the illegal presence of the Chinese ships.
PCG officials believe China is attempting to normalize its unauthorized deployment of CCG vessels within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.
PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to preventing such actions from becoming routine, stressing that the PCG remains vigilant to avoid escalating tensions in the region.