The Philippine Coast Guard tracked and challenged a Chinese Coast Guard vessel (CCG-4305) drifting approximately 48 nautical miles west of Pandaquit, Zambales in the contested West Philippine Sea, according to PCG spokesperson Rear Admiral Jay Tarriela.

MANILA, Philippines – Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Rear Admiral Jay Tarriela on Monday dismissed China’s claim that the country’s monitoring activities in the WPS are merely “publicity stunts” and has nothing to do with politics. In a statement, Tarriela said PCG’s maritime domain awareness (MDA) patrols, including both maritime and