Credits: PCG
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) confirmed on Wednesday that China’s massive ship, known as “The Monster,” remains anchored at Escoda (Sabina) Shoal, approximately 600 yards from the Philippine vessel BRP Teresa Magbanua.
PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, Commodore Jay Tarriela, stated that the 165-meter China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel 5901 has been stationed at the unoccupied reef near Palawan island since July 3 and has not departed. “As of 7:30 this morning, the latest image from our coast guard personnel aboard MRRV 9701 shows the China Coast Guard monster ship still anchored at Escoda Shoal,” Tarriela reported during a media forum in Manila.
Contrary to this, Philippine Navy spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, mentioned on Tuesday that the ship had left the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. “At Escoda Shoal, it’s gone. No replacement. It’s gone,” Trinidad said in an interview with reporters.
Former United States Air Force officer Ray Powell, director of the maritime transparency initiative SeaLight, explained the confusion over the ship’s location. Powell noted that the vessel likely moved outside Escoda Shoal from July 12 to 15 due to elevated wave heights, which prompted a temporary relocation for safety.
Meanwhile, the PCG has deployed the 97-meter multi-role response vessel BRP Melchora Aquino to monitor the presence of another Chinese vessel, the 135-meter CCG vessel with bow number 5303. This ship had been observed near Lubang Island in Occidental Mindoro over the past few days. “It was reported that it came close to Lubang Island at a distance of 60 nautical miles. That is true. The China Coast Guard vessel was monitored in that area,” Tarriela confirmed.
The Chinese vessel has since moved towards El Nido, Palawan, but has not clarified its intentions despite persistent radio challenges from the Philippines. “Whenever we challenge them, they challenge our presence back,” Tarriela said. “So far, we haven’t received any tangible response.”
When asked if the Philippines has ongoing activities in the waters off Lubang Island, Tarriela declined to comment.
