The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported spotting a drone, suspected to belong to the China Coast Guard (CCG), while conducting surveillance in the West Philippine Sea on Monday.
Shortly after the drone sighting, CCG ships issued multiple radio challenges 52.8 nautical miles from Secam Island, located within Palawan province.
The CCG vessels, identified as CCG 5101 and 5103, directed the radio challenges toward the PCG’s BRP Cape Engaño (MRRV-4411).
The Chinese ships warned BRP Cape Engaño that it had entered “an area under the jurisdiction of the People’s Republic of China” and ordered the PCG to leave the area.
PCG answered it was conducting a lawful maritime patrol within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.
“We are proceeding according to our planned route. Request to stay clear from our passage,” BRP Cape Engaño told the Chinese ships.
The radio challenge occurred at Hasa Hasa Shoal, also known as Half Moon Shoal, located in the West Philippine Sea.
To support Filipino fisherfolk and enhance fish yields, PCG and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) have installed payao, or fish aggregating devices, at Hasa Hasa and Kanduli Shoals.
The PCG also conducted coral reef rehabilitation efforts at Pag-asa Island and Kalayaan Group of Islands (KIG) in Palawan.
