On September 28, 2026, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) successfully turned back Chinese Maritime Militia Vessel (CMMV) 9622 and 24 small boats (“sampans”) operating illegally within the territorial sea of Kota Island in the Kalayaan Island Group.

At approximately 10:00 AM, PCG personnel spotted CMMV 9622 positioned 1.2 nautical miles northwest of Kota Island as it deployed 24 two-man sampans. The smaller craft spread out to conduct fishing activities within 300 yards of the shore. A five-man PCG team launched a rubber boat at 11:00 AM to confront the intrusion. Although CMMV 9622 ignored radio calls, the Chinese crews acknowledged instructions via hand signals and immediately withdrew upon the PCG team’s approach. The Philippine personnel returned safely without further incident.

The launch of multiple small boats from a single mothership serves as a civilian-clad force multiplier to project Chinese presence without overt military coercion. Because Kota Island is part of Palawan’s Kalayaan municipality, unauthorized foreign fishing violates Philippine sovereignty, national fisheries laws, and UNCLOS. In alignment with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to firmly resist coercive actions, the PCG reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining patrols, challenging illegal foreign operations, and informing the public.

Source: @jaytaryela