Another massive vessel has taken the place of the Chinese “monster” ship stationed by the Zambales coast, said the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
On Sunday evening, PCG Spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Commodore Jay Tarriela released a statement regarding the “relief and assumption of two Chinese Coast Guard vessels.”
Following two weeks of the PCG relentlessly issuing radio challenges, the enormous ship relocated farther away from the PCG’s BRP Gabriela Silang (MRRV-8371).
“At approximately 3 PM, CCG-5901 (known as the monster ship) moved further away from the PCG vessel (BRP Gabriela Silang), while another vessel, CCG-3304, approached the coast of Zambales,” Tarriela wrote.
This left the monster ship at 95 nautical miles from the coast of Zambales and the China Coast Guard vessel assuming its post, CCG-3304, at 65 nautical miles from land, as of 9 P.M.
“Although the monster ship has departed, it is important to note that CCG-3304, its replacement, remains larger than the largest PCG vessel,” Tarriela disclosed, noting its 111-meter length and 46-meter width.
The Gabriela Silang, which remains a staunch sentinel over Philippine maritime territory, is only 83 meters in length.
Philippine Coast Guard Continues Vigilant Monitoring of Chinese Coast Guard Vessels (5901 and 3304)
— Jay Tarriela (@jaytaryela) January 19, 2025
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessel, BRP Gabriela Silang, continues to vigilantly monitor the illegal presence of the China Coast Guard vessel CCG-5901, known as the "monster… pic.twitter.com/O78bnGatSK
Previously, the Philippines sent Beijing a diplomatic protest concerning the monster ship, which is unlawfully situated within the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
