Philippine Coast Guard Responds to Chinese Militia Vessels at Rozul Reef

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has confirmed the presence of over 50 Chinese Maritime Militia (CMM) vessels near Rozul Reef, located within the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the West Philippine Sea. This development follows a rapid response deployment on June 19, 2025, triggered by intelligence reports of suspected illegal activities in the region.

According to Commodore Jay Tarriela, spokesperson for the PCG concerning West Philippine Sea issues, two PCG vessels and a surveillance aircraft were dispatched to investigate the situation approximately 130 nautical miles off the coast of Palawan. Upon arrival, the PCG officials verified the presence of dozens of Chinese vessels, some clustered and others scattered throughout the area.

In response to this incursion, the PCG personnel challenged the Chinese vessels via radio communication, informing them that they were operating within Philippine waters and urging them to vacate the area. The PCG cited the Philippine Maritime Zones Act, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and the 2016 Arbitral Award, which affirms the Philippines' sovereign rights over its EEZ and invalidates China’s extensive maritime claims in the region.

Despite these communications, no responses were received from the CMM vessels. As part of their continued efforts to document and gather evidence regarding the presence of these vessels, the PCG deployed rigid hull inflatable boats to approach the militia vessels more closely, specifically to record their bow numbers, particularly those anchored in shallower waters.

The PCG underscored its commitment to monitoring and patrolling Philippine waters, emphasizing that these actions are in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s directive to assert the nation's territorial rights through peaceful and rules-based means. The presence of Chinese militia vessels at Rozul Reef, also known as Iroquois Reef, has previously raised concerns, as Manila views these incursions as a threat to regional stability and Philippine sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea.

Experts have weighed in on the implications of such maritime disputes. Dr. Maria Elena Santos, a maritime law expert at the University of the Philippines, stated, "The frequent incursions by Chinese vessels signify a broader strategy of assertiveness in the region, which challenges the established maritime order."

Moreover, Dr. Roberto Cruz, an international relations scholar at Ateneo de Manila University, remarked, "The Philippine government's response is critical not only for national sovereignty but also for regional alliances in facing similar challenges posed by China’s maritime ambitions."

The situation at Rozul Reef highlights ongoing tensions in the South China Sea, where multiple nations assert claims over various territories. In light of this, the PCG reiterated its commitment to uphold Philippine sovereignty and international maritime law, urging for diplomatic resolutions while being prepared to enforce its rights at sea.

As this issue unfolds, the international community will likely continue to monitor developments closely, as the implications extend beyond Philippine waters, affecting geopolitical stability in the entire Southeast Asian region.