Ched Rick Gatchalian

Article (news)

Chinese vessels spotted anew inside PH EEZ during PCG’s martime domain awareness flight

Jessie Cruzat

ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:958px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1761646111178viber_image_2025-10-28_14-47-11-268.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="A People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLA-N) warship bearing bow number 575 was among the vessels spotted inside the Philippines&#x27; exclusive economic zone during a maritime domain awareness flight conducted by the Philippine Coast Guard, October 28, 2025. Handout/PCG"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">A People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLA-N) warship bearing bow number 575 was among the vessels spotted inside the Philippines&#x27; exclusive economic zone during a maritime domain awareness flight conducted by the Philippine Coast Guard, October 28, 2025. <em>Handout/PCG</em></span></span></span></div><p>MANILA — Several Chinese vessels were spotted again inside the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) during a maritime domain awareness flight conducted by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Tuesday morning, October 28.</p><p>The PCG was conducting a regular monitoring operation over the West Philippine Sea when it sighted China Coast Guard vessel 3316 about 59 nautical miles west of Iba, Zambales.</p><p>A People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLA-N) warship bearing bow number 575, along with another unidentified Chinese naval vessel was also observed.</p><p>PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, Commodore Jay Tarriela, said the level of Chinese presence in the area remains the same.</p><div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/10/14/47-diplomatic-protests-filed-vs-china-in-2025-dfa-1550">47 diplomatic protests filed vs China in 2025 — DFA</a></div><p>“If you are going to ask me if they have increased their level of presence, I would say it’s very much the same. The only instance na masasabi nating tumaas talaga significantly ‘yong China Coast Guard and PLA-Navy warship is whenever they are also monitoring a high number of Filipino fishing vessels that are supported by BFAR and even the Philippine Coast Guard,” Tarriela said.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>CONFISCATED SUSPECTED CYANIDE FOR EXAMINATION</strong></div><p>Meanwhile, the Philippine Navy is now in possession of four gallons of liquid suspected to be cyanide seized from three Chinese fishermen caught near Ayungin Shoal on Friday, October 24. </p><p>Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, spokesperson of the Armed Forces of the Philippines for the West Philippine Sea, said the seized liquid is currently aboard BRP Sierra Madre pending examination.</p><p>“The liquid suspected to be cyanide is now in the possession of Philippine Navy personnel aboard BRP Sierra Madre [and with the] opportune time ito ay ibabalik natin sa Palawan para mai-patest natin,” Trinidad said.</p><div> </div><div><strong>MORE THAN 200 FILIPINO FISHING BOATS RECEIVED AID FROM THE PH GOVERNMENT</strong></div><p>The country has already filed 49 diplomatic protests against China this year, following Beijing’s declaration of Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal) as a “nature reserve” in September.</p><div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/9/11/ph-rejects-china-plan-to-establish-nature-reserve-at-scarborough-1201">Philippines protests China nature reserve plan for Scarborough Shoal</a></div><p>“The Philippines will never waver in defending what is ours. Our sovereignty is not up for debate. Our duty is not negotiable,” Lopez said. “Through National Maritime Council, we have continued to strengthen coordination among our agencies, support our frontliners at sea, and make sure every action we take is anchored on law.”</p><p>From July to September this year, the NMC reported that the government delivered supplies and aid—including fuel and groceries—to 256 Filipino fishing boats operating in the West Philippine Sea.</p><p>Officials said the Philippines will continue its maritime domain operations and regular patrols to be able to strengthen the government’s commitment to defending national sovereignty and supporting Filipino fisherfolk.</p><div> </div><div><strong>PCG: WPS ISSUE HAS NO POLITICAL COLOR</strong></div><p>Meanwhile, Commodore Tarriela emphasized the shared responsibility of every Filipino in combating misinformation and disinformation regarding national issues surrounding the WPS.</p><p>“Para sa akin, it’s everybody’s responsibility to counter the lies and misinformation pagdating sa usapin sa West Philippine Sea,” Tarriela said.</p><p>He said responding to false claims, whether from politicians, influencers, or ordinary social media users, is essential to ensure accurate information reaches the public.</p><p>“I realized eventually, it is also wrong to think na hayaan na lang sila because you also have to consider the number of people following them,” he added.</p><p>Tarriela added that the WPS issue should not involve any political leanings.</p><div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/8/14/palace-says-ph-will-continue-defend-sovereign-rights-in-wps-1704">Palace says PH will continue defend sovereign rights in WPS</a></div><p>“Ang issue ng West Philippine Sea is not represented by any political color. Whether you supported the former administration or the current administration, ang laban natin ay West Philippine Sea. Dapat hindi natin ginagawang isyung politikal ito. Ito ay laban nating lahat bilang Pilipino,” he said.</p>

<p>Several Chinese vessels were spotted again inside the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) during a maritime domain awareness flight conducted by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Tuesday morning, October 28</p>

Several Chinese vessels were spotted again inside the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) during a maritime domain awareness flight conducted by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Tuesday morning, October 28