China’s ‘monster ship’ off Zambales an act of aggression – NSC

INCURSION Philippine Coast Guard photo taken on Saturday shows China Coast Guard Vessel 5901, also known as “The Monster,” in the coastal waters of Zambales province before it began to move away that evening.

MANILA, Philippines — The presence of China’s monster ship off the coast of Zambales since last Saturday is an act of “intimidation, coercion, and aggression,” National Security Council spokesperson Jonathan Malaya said.

In a public briefing on Monday, Malaya was asked about the possible reason behind the presence of Coast Guard Vessel 5901, dubbed “The Monster,” in Philippine territory.

READ: PCG continues to monitor China’s monster ship detected near Luzon

“Obviously, this is an act of intimidation, coercion, and aggression against the Philippines,” he said at the Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon briefing.

Malaya noted that radio challenges and shadowing continue against the vessel, adding that local authorities will not act provocatively unless instigated.

Article continues after this advertisement

As of now, Malaya said the monster ship is not doing any blocking or dangerous maneuvers.

Article continues after this advertisement

“Hindi po natin ito pinapabayaan, mga kababayan. We have all our assets pointed at this monster ship; at the moment na may gawin itong masama — in the sense na may gawin itong provocative action — ito po ay magkakaroon ng karampatang aksyon sa pamahalaan,” he said.

(We are not neglecting this, fellow countrymen. We have all our assets directed at this monster ship, and the moment it commits any wrongdoing — in the sense of taking any provocative action — it will be met with the appropriate response from the government.)

READ: PCG sends ship, 2 aircraft to challenge ‘The Monster’

The monster ship was sighted 100 kilometers (54 nautical miles) from Capones Island through Canada’s Dark Vessel Detection system.

This prompted the Philippine Coast Guard to deploy its BRP Cabra (MRRV-4409), along with a helicopter and Caravan aircraft, to shadow and assert the country’s presence in the area.