CCG vessels attempt to ram PCG ship near Zambales

A China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel, identified as 3302, shadowed and came dangerously close to colliding with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) ship BRP Cabra approximately 170 kilometers off Zambales on Sunday, April 6.

Despite radio challenges from the PCG, the CCG vessel continued to approach and obstruct the BRP Cabra, at one point coming within 16 meters.

On Monday, April 7, CCG vessel 3302 continued its dangerous maneuvers and made multiple attempts to ram the aft of the BRP Cabra, with a smaller CCG vessel, 21612, also being deployed to attempt ramming.

Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela stated that the BRP Cabra managed to avoid collision due to the seamanship skills of its crew, successfully outmatching the Chinese vessels.

Tarriela highlighted that this incident marks China's return to patrolling near the Zambales coastline after a brief lull, part of a persistent strategy to normalize Beijing's presence in the West Philippine Sea.

The PCG has slammed these dangerous maneuvers and affirmed their commitment to upholding duties in safeguarding the nation's maritime interests, in accordance with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive.

The BRP Cabra was initially deployed on April 5 after monitoring the Chinese vessel operating some 83 to 85 nautical miles off the coast of Palawig, Zambales.