MANILA, Philippines – Bumalik na naman sa dating pwesto nito ang monster ship ng China, nitong Sabado, Enero 11.
Ayon sa Philippine Coast Guard, ito ay muling namataan sa baybayin ng Zambales sa West Philippine Sea ilang araw matapos nitong lisanin ang lugar.
Sinabi ni Commodore Jay Tarriela, PCG spokesperson for the WPS, na ang 165-meter China Coast Guard (CCG) 5901 ay pumalit sa CCG-3304 at namataan 180 kilometro ang layo mula sa Zambales.
Sa kabila nito, nagawang maitulak palayo ng BRP Teresa Magbanua ang 3304 mula sa coastline ng Zambales “achieving a remarkable distance of up to 97 nautical miles (about 180 kilometers) offshore.”
“This strategic maneuvering by the BRP Teresa Magbanua has prompted the People’s Republic of China to deploy the China Coast Guard 5901 “monster ship” this afternoon, as they attempt to outmaneuver the PCG vessel,” ani Tarriela.
“Despite the imposing size of CCG-5901, the PCG vessel has boldly approached its starboard side at a close range, effectively hindering the China Coast Guard vessel’s attempts to move toward the Zambales coastline,” dagdag pa niya.
Paulit-ulit na niraradyuhan ng PCG ang barko ng China at sinasabing sila ay “unlawfully operating within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone and do not possess any legal authority to conduct maritime patrols.”
Naniniwala umano si PCG Commandant Adm. Ronnie Gil Gavan na ang mga crew ng PCG “have fully grasped the President’s directives to maintain vigilance in accordance with the law while avoiding any escalation of tensions.”
“The PCG remains committed to safeguarding the country’s maritime jurisdiction and ensuring the rule of law within Philippine waters,” sinabi naman ni Tarriela. RNT/JGC
