PBBM concerned over WPS incidents

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is concerned over recent maritime incidents in the West Philippine Sea involving Philippine vessels and Chinese Coast Guard ships.

Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro stated that the Philippines will continue to act professionally and with patriotism.

The Philippine Coast Guard's BRP Cabra nearly collided with the Chinese Coast Guard vessel 3302 due to the latter's reckless and dangerous maneuvers, approximately 83 to 85 nautical miles off Palawig, Zambales.

PCG Spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela noted the Chinese vessel's blatant disregard for safety, with the collision averted by the BRP Cabra crew's seamanship.

In a separate incident, the PCG is monitoring the Chinese research vessel Zhong Shan Da Xue for allegedly conducting an unauthorized survey within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone near Batanes.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines also reported monitoring 40 Chinese vessels in the country's EEZ throughout March.