(May 27, 2025) — Two vessels of the China Coast Guard (CCG) closely shadowed a Philippine civilian ship headed to Pag-asa Island in Palawan Monday morning, in yet another display of Chinese presence within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
“Dalawang barko ng China Coast Guard ang umaalagid sa sinasakyan naming Kapitan Felix Oca na patungo sa Pag-asa Island,” reported News5 correspondent Gio Robles, who was onboard the civilian ship during the Frontline Express broadcast.
The vessels, with bow numbers CCG 3306 and CCG 21549, were spotted shortly after 8:00 a.m. at a distance of only 6 to 8 nautical miles from the M/V Kapitan Felix Oca, while still about 40 to 42 nautical miles off El Nido, Palawan — well within the Philippines’ EEZ.
Escorting M/V Kapitan Felix Oca’s civilian mission were the Philippine Coast Guard ships BRP Melchora Aquino and BRP Malapascua, which issued multiple radio challenges to the Chinese vessels.
From onboard audio recordings, a CCG vessel was heard stating: “You have entered the sea area under the jurisdiction of the People’s Republic of China. Please comply with relevant international law and regulations.”
In response, the Philippine side asserted: “You are currently sailing within the Philippine exclusive economic zone approximately 42 nautical miles off Palawan.”
Despite the tense standoff, the Philippine voyage continued. Members of the Atin Ito coalition, which organized the civilian mission, viewed the incident as another attempt by China to intimidate Filipinos in the West Philippine Sea.
The main event of the mission, a concert and solidarity activity, was scheduled to take place Tuesday morning in the territorial waters off Pag-asa Island.
As of broadcast time, both Chinese vessels remained in visual range of the Kapitan Felix Oca.
“Dito sa kaliwa ko may puting tuldok, ‘yan ‘yung isa sa dalawang China Coast Guard vessels. Dito naman sa kanang bahagi ‘yung CCG 3306,” Robles reported.
Asked about safety precautions, Atin Ito convener Rafaela David emphasized the safety of all personnel abroad Kapitan Felix Oca.
The voyage would only be aborted if Chinese ships approached further or conducted “dangerous maneuvers,” David added.
(AGD)
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