PCG suspects AIS spoofing by Chinese vessel near Zambales

An official from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) suspects that a reported sighting of a China Coast Guard (CCG) ship in Zambales on December 10 was likely due to Automatic Identification System (AIS) spoofing.

The PCG received an alert about CCG vessel 21543 being near San Felipe, but upon investigation and verification with the BRP Teresa Magbanua, it was found that the ship was actually located in Hong Kong, not in Zambales.

Commodore Jay Tarriela believes one of the Chinese-flagged dredgers may have altered its AIS data to mimic the presence of a CCG ship, potentially misleading authorities and causing public concern.

The PCG inspected MV An Da Kang but was unable to board MV Yang Shong and MV Hong Xia due to their departure. The analysis of the 60-day track of CCG 21543 reveals inconsistencies, suggesting that the Chinese government might be using other vessels' AIS signals for spoofing activities.

The PCG plans to intensify inspections on dredgers operating in Manila Bay and has the authority to conduct both port state control and flag state inspections as needed.