By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Despite the departure of China’s massive Coast Guard ship, dubbed “The Monster,” from Escoda Shoal within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ), a Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) vessel recently conducted an “intrusive patrol” just 60 nautical miles off Lubang Island in Mindoro province.
This was disclosed on Tuesday (16 July 2024) by the Philippine Navy, which reported that the vessel was on a “continuous passage” and exercising “freedom of navigation.”
“The Philippine Navy monitors the expanse of our EEZ. We are aware of the presence of the Chinese Coast Guard vessel that transited 60 nautical miles west of mainland Luzon,” said Navy spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, during a press briefing.
He added that the Philippine Coast Guard, Naval Forces Northern Luzon, and Naval Forces West have all been informed about the vessel’s transit.
It was also reported that at least 104 CCG, maritime militia, and People’s Liberation Army Navy vessels were still present in Philippine waters, including Bajo de Masinloc, Ayungin Shoal, Pag-asa Island, Kota Island, Lawak Island, Panata Island, and Iroquois Reef, from July 9 to 15.
This number is an increase from the 94 vessels monitored the previous week.
(el Amigo/mnm)