ZAMBALES, Philippines — The Philippine Coast Guard on Saturday morning, Dec. 6, pushed a China Coast Guard vessel farther from the Zambales coastline while continuing patrols over Bajo de Masinloc in the West Philippine Sea.
Officials said a Philippine patrol vessel approached the Chinese ship as it operated near the Zambales coast and compelled it to increase its distance from Philippine waters.
The Philippine Coast Guard reported that its patrols around Bajo de Masinloc continued during and after the encounter to assert the country’s presence in the area. Authorities confirmed that no physical confrontation or collision occurred during the maneuver.
The operation was coordinated with relevant national agencies as part of regular maritime security efforts in the West Philippine Sea. The Coast Guard recorded the incident and prepared an official report for submission to higher authorities in Manila.
The China Coast Guard did not issue a public statement regarding the encounter. Philippine officials emphasized that the incident took place within recognized Philippine maritime zones and that standard procedures were followed to order the foreign vessel to move farther from the coast.
The Philippine Coast Guard stated that it will continue deploying vessels to Bajo de Masinloc and nearby waters to monitor foreign ship activity and safeguard national maritime interests.
