MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is set to launch Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) flights over key areas of the West Philippine Sea (WPS) in a move to assert the country’s territorial rights and strengthen surveillance efforts.
PCG spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela announced the initiative at the Saturday News Forum, stating that the flights will cover areas from Pangasinan to Zambales.
“These routine flights reaffirm the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ),” Tarriela emphasized.
Heightened Monitoring After Chinese Military Activity
The announcement follows recent “dangerous” maneuvers by a Chinese military helicopter over Bajo de Masinloc.
Additionally, the PCG is currently tracking multiple China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels:
🚢 CCG Vessel 5303 – 80 nautical miles off Bolinao, Pangasinan
🚢 CCG Vessels 3301 & 3105 – Operating near Zambales
Tarriela assured that the PCG will deploy vessels to directly challenge any CCG presence detected in Philippine waters.
“Whenever we detect CCG ships, we deploy PCG vessels to counter their presence,” he said.
West Philippine Sea Dispute Continues
The West Philippine Sea includes:
✅ Luzon Sea
✅ Kalayaan Island Group
✅ Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal)
In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague ruled that China has no legal basis for its claims in the South China Sea. However, Beijing refuses to recognize the ruling and continues its activities in disputed waters.
What’s Next?
The PCG’s MDA flights mark a stronger push for sovereignty enforcement, signaling that the Philippines will not back down amid growing tensions with China in the region.