ONE of the world’s largest coast guard ship, known as “The Monster” was spotted near the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal.
According to the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the China Coast Guard 5901 or The Monster had been monitoring situations in the West Philippine Sea.
“We have noted reports of a large China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel passing near the BRP Sierra Madre at Ayungin Shoal,” the AFP said.
“The presence of this 12,000-ton CCG ship near BRP Sierra Madre is part of a broader pattern of intrusive patrols aimed at asserting unlawful claims over areas within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ),” it added.
The AFP statement said that the presence of the CCG vessel in the area is “illegal, coercive, and contrary to the spirit of maintaining peace and stability in the region.”
The Philippine military vowed to continue with their vigilant and steadfast guarding in the enforcement of international maritime laws, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Meanwhile, the AFP made a strong call to other countries to observe international law and to refrain from actions that worsen the tensions in the WPS.
The China Coast Guard 5901 likewise did a “brief intrusive patrol” near Scarborough Shoal back in May.
The “Monster ship” is said to be approaching Pag-Asa Island on June 19, according to US Air Force official and ex-Defence Attaché Ray Powell.
Powell also said that on June 24, the vessel passed close to the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal and was approaching Escoda Shoal where Philippine Coast Guard ship BRP Teresa Magbanua has been stationed since April.
Courtesy: AFP
It will be recalled that on June 17, a Philippine Navy sailor lost his thumb while several others were injured when the CCG personnel repeatedly rammed Philippine Navy rubber boats to stop them from delivering food supplies, firearms, and other necessities to BRP Sierra Madre.
The CCG personnel brandished knives, an axe, and pointed sticks.
The Navy boats were also slashed and the navigational screen was smashed.
