PCG: BRP Teresa Magbanua pushed CCG ship farther away from Zambales coast

The BRP Teresa Magbanua successfully pushed the Chinese Coast Guard ship farther away from the Zambales coastline, according to the Philippine Coast Guard.

In a statement on Saturday, PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Commodore Jay Tarriela reported that the BRP Teresa Magbanua was able to push the CCG-3304 farther away from the coastline.

The ship had already been replaced with the CCG-5901 or the “monster ship,'' he said.

''Despite this, the PCG is effectively maintaining a distance of approximately 110-115 nautical miles from the coast of Zambales,'' Tarriela said.

“The crew aboard BRP Teresa Magbanua demonstrated remarkable courage and resolve, remaining undeterred by the presence of the massive CCG-5901. The PCG has consistently asserted that the actions of the China Coast Guard are illegal and in violation of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), to which China is a signatory.''

CCG-5901 was last seen moving away from the Zambales coastline on January 20 after calls from the Philippines to withdraw the vessel. It was replaced by CCG-3304.

“Although the monster ship has departed, it is important to note that CCG-3304, its replacement, remains larger than the largest PCG vessel. CCG-3304 measures 111 meters in length and 46 meters in width,” Tarriela had said.

Tensions continue as Beijing claims almost all of the South China Sea, a conduit for more than $3 trillion of annual shipborne commerce, including parts claimed by the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei.

In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague ruled in favor of the Philippines over China's claims in the South China Sea, saying that it had "no legal basis."

China refused to recognize the decision. — VBL, GMA Integrated News