China Coast Guard ship spotted off Zambales

Upgrade to High-Speed Internet for only ₱1499/month!

Enjoy up to 100 Mbps fiber broadband, perfect for browsing, streaming, and gaming.

Visit Suniway.ph to learn

May 21, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines —  The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) confronted on Tuesday a China Coast Guard ship near the waters off Zambales following the episode with a Chinese research vessel last weekend.

The PCG sent aerial and maritime radio challenges to CCG-4305, which was monitored within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ), about 48 nautical miles west of Pundaquit’s coastline in Zambales.

PCG spokesman on West Philippine Sea issues Rear Admiral Jay Tarriela said the Chinese vessel refused to acknowledge the numerous radio challenges issued when PCG Piper Navajo 302 flew over the area in the morning.

The Philippines, through the Department of National Defense, again reminded China yesterday of the 2016 Arbitral Award that has rejected and invalidated its expansive claims over almost the entire South China Sea.

PAF boosts fleet

Boosting its capabilities, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) has officially integrated two new Bell 412EPX utility helicopters to its fleet.

The latest air assets were blessed and formally accepted in a ceremony at the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City on Tuesday.  – Michael Punongbayan, Bella Cariaso