Malacañang on Tuesday expressed “grave concern” over the presence of China’s so-called monster ship off the coast of Zambales.

CCG 5901 had already left the coastline off the Philippine province of Zambales, the Philippine Coast Guard said.

Malacañang on Tuesday expressed concern over the presence of the China Coast Guard's (CCG) “monster ship” in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. In a Palace press briefing, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has been closely

The Philippines has accused a giant Chinese coast guard vessel it dubbed as the “Monster” of maintaining an “illegal presence” in its exclusive economic zone as Beijing ramps up activities in the disputed South China Sea.

Beijing has repeatedly asserted its jurisdiction over Scarborough Shoal, which lies within Manila’s exclusive economic zone.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessel BRP Cabra (MMRV-4409) is “vigilantly” monitoring the illegal presence of a China Coast Guard (CCG) ship continuing to operate for the fourth day within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

Observers interpret the presence of the 165-metre vessel near Scarborough Shoal as a warning to Manila about its military ties with the US.