NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
BRP Cabra Stands Its Ground As China Coast Guard Tries Risky Moves In West Philippine Sea
Photo credit: PCG
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) isn’t backing down. In the latest show of resolve, BRP Cabra has remained firm in patrolling Philippine waters, even as it faced off with China Coast Guard vessel 3302—again.
The standoff happened near Capones Island, where the Chinese vessel was reportedly patrolling illegally. Despite repeated radio calls from the PCG pointing out that the Chinese presence there has no legal basis, China’s coast guard continues to insist they’re just conducting “lawful maritime operations.” But the PCG isn’t buying it—and they’re making sure we don’t either.
Thanks to BRP Cabra’s determined presence, the Chinese vessel has since moved farther off—now about 92 to 96 nautical miles from Capones Island. That’s a small but meaningful pushback in the ongoing effort to keep Philippine waters free from foreign intimidation.
But things got tense.
This afternoon, things almost took a dangerous turn when the Chinese vessel tried to go head-on with the smaller BRP Cabra. That kind of maneuver isn’t just reckless—it’s outright dangerous, especially coming from a signatory of the Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs). Thankfully, our coast guard’s crew showed sharp seamanship and avoided what could’ve been a serious collision.
Despite the provocation, the PCG is keeping its cool. No escalation. No drama. Just solid, professional defense of our waters.
Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, PCG Commandant, reminded his team of their mission: hold the line, assert our sovereignty, and do it with discipline. It’s a strategy backed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who’s made it clear—stand firm, but keep the peace.
At the end of the day, it’s about showing that the Philippines won’t be bullied—and that professionalism and principle will always outmaneuver provocation.
The standoff happened near Capones Island, where the Chinese vessel was reportedly patrolling illegally. Despite repeated radio calls from the PCG pointing out that the Chinese presence there has no legal basis, China’s coast guard continues to insist they’re just conducting “lawful maritime operations.” But the PCG isn’t buying it—and they’re making sure we don’t either.
Thanks to BRP Cabra’s determined presence, the Chinese vessel has since moved farther off—now about 92 to 96 nautical miles from Capones Island. That’s a small but meaningful pushback in the ongoing effort to keep Philippine waters free from foreign intimidation.
But things got tense.
This afternoon, things almost took a dangerous turn when the Chinese vessel tried to go head-on with the smaller BRP Cabra. That kind of maneuver isn’t just reckless—it’s outright dangerous, especially coming from a signatory of the Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs). Thankfully, our coast guard’s crew showed sharp seamanship and avoided what could’ve been a serious collision.
Despite the provocation, the PCG is keeping its cool. No escalation. No drama. Just solid, professional defense of our waters.
Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, PCG Commandant, reminded his team of their mission: hold the line, assert our sovereignty, and do it with discipline. It’s a strategy backed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who’s made it clear—stand firm, but keep the peace.
At the end of the day, it’s about showing that the Philippines won’t be bullied—and that professionalism and principle will always outmaneuver provocation.
Apr 7, 2025
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