February 18, 2025 | 12:00am

Philippine Coast Guard Reports Chinese Ships in West Philippine Sea

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has detected an increase in activity by Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) patrols in the West Philippine Sea. According to PCG Commodore Jay Tarriela, three CCG patrol ships have been spotted in the area.

One of these ships, CCG 3105, was closely monitored by the PCG’s 44-meter patrol vessel, BRP Bagacay, approximately 95 nautical miles off the coast of Zambales. CCG 3105 replaced CCG 5303, which entered the area earlier that same week.

Furthermore, CCG 5303 and CCG 3301 were spotted patrolling the vicinity of Bajo de Masinloc, also known as Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal. This aggressive behavior has been ongoing since January 4, 2025, with the CCG ships operating in waters that the Philippines claims as part of its exclusive economic zone.

Despite facing limited resources and challenging sea conditions, the PCG remains steadfast in its mission to protect Filipino maritime interests.

Citizens Show Solidarity

In Quezon City, motorists expressed solidarity with Filipino fishers and frontliners in the West Philippine Sea by honking their horns in a show of support. The demonstration, organized by the Akbayan party-list, aimed to raise awareness and counter misinformation about the disputed waters.

Participants waved banners that read, “Honk your horns! West Philippine Sea is real,” emphasizing the importance of recognizing Philippine sovereignty in the region.

Akbayan urged voters to support candidates who stand strong on maritime issues and oppose pro-China politicians.

Komodo Exercise Strengthens Regional Collaboration

The Philippine Navy participated in the 5th Multilateral Naval Exercise Komodo 2025 in Indonesia from February 16 to 22, 2025. This biennial exercise brings together 37 navies to reinforce multilateral cooperation and regional maritime security.

Philippine Navy Rear Admiral Joe Anthony Orbe led the delegation, joined by defense attaché Col. Emerson delos Santos and the commander of Naval Task Group 84, Capt. Malone Agudelo. The exercise highlighted the importance of maritime collaboration in maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.

The Philippine Navy played a prominent role in the International Fleet Review, showcasing the country’s naval presence and capabilities. BRP Ramon Alcaraz represented the Philippines in the naval formation.

Philippines and Japan Discuss Cooperation

The Philippines and Japan discussed areas of cooperation to address China’s ongoing aggression in the West Philippine Sea. In a phone call, National Security Adviser Eduardo Año congratulated his Japanese counterpart, Okano Masataka, on his new role.

The countries reaffirmed their commitment to freedom of navigation and international law in the South China Sea and East China Sea. They also emphasized the importance of upholding a free and open Indo-Pacific and respecting international rules.

Support for an open and secure Indo-Pacific has become a united front among world leaders. The G7 foreign ministers — including representatives from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States — expressed their strong opposition to attempts to unilaterally change the status quo through force.

The G7 ministers also underscored the importance of resolving disputes peacefully, highlighting the necessity of upholding international law and sovereignty.