CCG vessel monitors PH survey ship near Bajo de Masinloc

A Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) vessel, identified as CCG 5303, closely followed and monitored the Philippine survey vessel BRP Hydrographer Ventura near Bajo de Masinloc.

The CCG ship persistently engaged in provocative actions and illegal monitoring of the hydrographic survey which commenced on Sunday, April 15.

The BRP Hydrographer Ventura was conducting its survey 110.46 nautical miles northwest off Bolinao, Pangasinan, and was escorted by the PCG ship BRP Gabriela Silang.

Commodore Jay Tarriela, PCG spokesperson for WPS, confirmed that CCG 5303 tailed the survey vessel at a close distance of one nautical mile.

While the CCG ship did not directly obstruct the survey, its actions were seen as evidence of China's intent to intimidate and impede legitimate operations within the Philippines' Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

The CCG often deploys in such areas to assert the legitimacy of the nine-dash line, disregarding international law.