The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Monday vehemently denied China’s claim that a Philippine vessel was expelled from waters near Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), asserting that Filipino forces remain in the area despite what they called the Chinese Coast Guard’s (CCG) “intentional” ramming and water cannon attacks. PCG spokesperson for the WPS, Commodore Jay Tarriela, detailed a series of “hostile actions” that occurred Sunday, just 1.6 to 1.8 nautical miles from Pag-asa Island, which lies well within the Philippines’ territorial waters. “I don’t think that they expelled the Philippine vessels,” Tarriela said.

Kabagani, L. J. (2025, October 14). PCG rejects CCG's claim of expelling Phl ships near Pagasa Island. Daily Tribune, p. B16.