PCG encounters Chinese radio challenges during routine patrol near Bajo de Masinloc

MANILA, February 24 ------ The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) conducted a routine maritime patrol over the vicinity of Bajo de Masinloc, overseeing multiple Chinese vessels and receiving radio challenges from a Chinese Navy warship.

The Philippine contingent was deployed to monitor the waters and maintain a presence in the area, which remains a center point of maritime activity. The activity was marked by a visible concentration of Chinese vessels surrounding the shoal. The interaction intensified as the PCG Aircraft moved over the area.

A Chinese Navy warship issued two separate radio challenges to the Philippine Coast Guard during the patrol. At the time of the challenges, the Chinese warship was positioned approximately 75 nautical miles from the coast of Zambales. Several Philippine vessels were spotted approximately 30 nautical miles from Scarborough Shoal as they conducted their operations.

The routine maritime patrol missions are conducted to provide support to and assert the country’s maritime rights within its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). While the presence of Chinese vessels in the area has become a common occurrence, the direct involvement of a Chinese Navy warship in issuing radio challenges underscores the ongoing tensions in the region.

Source: news.abs-cbn.com