PCG deploys BRP Teresa Magbanua near Zambales

On Tuesday night, The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) dispatched its largest ship, BRP Teresa Magbanua, to monitor Chinese vessels near Zambales province.

BRP Cabra returned to Subic Port after recovering the body of a Filipino fisherman and was replaced by the larger BRP Teresa Magbanua which is actively challenging Chinese ships.

The PCG has spotted three additional Chinese Coast Guard vessels near Scarborough Shoal, with CCG 5901 being the closest at about 184 km from Zambales.

China's use of a Long Range Acoustic Device (LRAD) against Philippine vessels and shadowing activities have escalated tensions in recent months.

The Philippines has accused China of intimidating Filipino fishermen near Scarborough Shoal since January, violating the UN-backed court ruling on South China Sea disputes.