In compliance to the directive of the President Ferdinand R Marcos Jr. to safeguard the country's maritime jurisdiction, the Commandant of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) deployed two PCG vessels and an aircraft in response to reports of illegal swarming by Chinese Maritime Militia (CMM) in Rozul Reef on 20 June 2025.

Said vessels, namely BRP Cape San Agustin (MRRV-4408) and BRP Cape Engaño (MRRV-4411), along with the aircraft PCG BN Islander Plane 251, were deployed to investigate the situation.

Upon arrival at Rozul Reef, the PCG confirmed the presence of over 50 Chinese Maritime Militia (CMM) vessels, both scattered and clustered together.

The PCG vessels and aircraft promptly challenged these CMM vessels via radio, notifying them that they were operating within the Philippines' Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), approximately 130 nautical miles off the coast of Palawan. The PCG emphasized that the irregular patterns of movement, along with their anchoring and swarming activities, violate the principles of freedom of navigation and infringe upon the sovereign rights of the Philippines in its EEZ.

The CMM vessels were directed to clarify their intentions, cease their swarming behaviors, and navigate in accordance with the Philippine Maritime Zones Act, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and the 2016 Arbitral Award. Despite efforts to establish contact, the CMM vessels did not respond.

To ensure accurate documentation of the situation, the PCG deployed their RHIBs (Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats) to approach the CMM vessels in the shallow waters of Rozul Reef and record their bow numbers.

The PCG will continue to monitor and address any unauthorized activities within our Exclusive Economic Zone through resolute but non-escalatory actions based on international law.