The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessel, BRP MALAPASCUA (MRRV-4403) has conducted a Maritime Patrol (MARPAT) mission to the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG) from 16 to 21 March 2023.

During its MARPAT mission, BRP MALAPASCUA spotted several foreign-flagged vessels – including a number of China Coast Guard Vessels (CCGVs) and a People’s Liberation Army-Navy (PLAN) Type 056A Jiangdao II Class Missile Corvette.

In Sabina Shoal, BRP MALAPASCUA monitored the presence of at least twenty (20) Chinese and Vietnamese vessels.

The PCG vessel also encountered at least two (2) CCGVs with bow numbers 5304 and 5305 near the shoal.

Multiple radio challenges were issued by the PCG vessel but no response was received. Rigid-hull Inflatable Boats (RHIBs) were deployed to disperse the foreign flagged vessels in and around the shoal.

Off of Pag-asa Island, BRP MALAPASCUA encountered the PLAN vessel with bow number 649 within Pag-asa’s twelve nautical mile (12 NM) territorial waters.

The PCG vessel issued multiple radio challenges while the PLAN vessel responded with its own challenge.

Underway back to Buliluyan Port, Province of Palawan, while patrolling Ayungin Shoal, BRP MALAPASCUA monitored the presence of CCGV 5201 and issued radio challenges to the latter. CCGV 5201 proceeded to shadow BRP MALAPASCUA at a distance of approximately 1,600 yards.

The PCG vessel reported that during its encounter with CCGV 5201 at Ayungin Shoal, the former came as close as 1.2 NM from the grounded Philippine Navy Vessel BRP SIERRA MADRE.

The National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea has received the post-operation report for the MARPAT mission of BRP MALAPASCUA.

The PCG is working in conjunction with the Western Command (WESCOM) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Area Task Force – West (ATF-WEST) to monitor and respond to the presence of foreign vessels in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

MARPAT missions by the PCG and AFP-WESCOM continue to prove invaluable in protecting and securing our rights and interests in the WPS.

PCG Commandant, CG Admiral Artemio M Abu, emphasizes the importance of these patrols and the need to promote peace and stability in the region.