PCG deploys BRP Teresa Magbanua near Bajo de Masinloc

On Monday, January 27, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) provided medical assistance and recovered the body of deceased fisherman Elpidio Lamban from a Filipino fishing boat near Silanguin Island in Zambales.

BRP Cabra responded to a distress call but found that Lamban had already passed away when they arrived; however, BRP Cabra was hindered by Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) vessel CCG-3304 during the operation.

Following BRP Cabra's departure from the area with Lamban’s body for transport back to Subic Bay, PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan deployed the larger 97-meter vessel, BRP Teresa Magbanua, to patrol Zambales' coast and monitor CCG activities.

BRP Teresa Magbanua is actively challenging at least four Chinese vessels operating illegally in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) near Bajo de Masinloc and Zambales waters.

The PCG remains committed to addressing illegal CCG presence off the coast of Zambales, ensuring the safety of Filipino fishermen, and upholding maritime jurisdiction despite ongoing tensions.