Photo credit: PCG

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is stepping up efforts to protect the country’s marine environment following an incident involving a suspected Chinese Maritime Militia vessel that ran aground near Pagasa Island last Saturday.

The vessel, marked with bow number 16838, was spotted at Pagasa Reef 1—roughly one nautical mile from Pagasa Island—after it appeared to have drifted into shallow waters. According to the PCG, rough sea conditions at the time, including wave heights of 2 to 3 meters and strong winds, likely pushed the vessel aground.

In line with their responsibility to uphold maritime safety and environmental protection, PCG personnel stationed on Pagasa Island attempted to contact the vessel to assess the situation and offer assistance for its safe removal. Their primary concern: minimizing further damage to the fragile coral reef system and Philippine territorial waters. However, the grounded vessel did not respond to their attempts at communication.

After about three hours, the vessel managed to free itself without any outside help.

Interestingly, the China Coast Guard—specifically the vessel with bow number 5102—was observed communicating with the grounded ship during the incident. However, it chose not to intervene, reportedly due to fears that it too might get stuck in the area’s shallow waters.

With the vessel now gone, the PCG is turning its attention to the possible environmental consequences. In coordination with other government agencies, they are preparing to conduct an environmental damage assessment at Pagasa Reef 1. The goal is to determine the extent of harm caused by the illegal presence of the Chinese vessel within Philippine waters.

The PCG reaffirmed its commitment to defending the country’s maritime domain while ensuring that sensitive marine ecosystems, such as those surrounding Pagasa Island, remain protected from foreign incursions and ecological threats.