MANILA, Philippines— The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) will review its drone operation protocols for maritime patrols in the West Philippine Sea following an incident involving suspected signal jamming by Chinese vessels, a senior official confirmed.
Commodore Jay Tarriela of the PCG said the review aims to improve the agency’s ability to document patrol activities and monitor maritime assets. The initiative comes after the PCG failed to launch drones during a collision involving a Chinese Coast Guard ship and a People’s Liberation Army Navy warship.
The PCG has been using drones to record maritime operations and patrols in disputed waters. Tarriela stated that signal interference likely originated from Chinese forces, which hindered drone deployment during the recent incident.
The review will include new strategies to counter electronic interference and strengthen the PCG’s capacity to monitor and record maritime incidents. The agency also seeks to enhance its protocols for preventing foreign incursions into the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.
The PCG continues to assert its presence in the West Philippine Sea amid ongoing tensions with Chinese maritime forces.