The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has dispatched two of its patrol vessels, BRP Melchora Aquino and BRP Cape Engaño, to Rozul Reef, also known as Iroquois Reef, in the West Philippine Sea following reports of alleged harassment by a Chinese naval helicopter targeting Filipino fishermen.

The PCG confirmed the ships reached the reef on December 1, initiating a maritime patrol in response to the incident. Shortly after their arrival, two China Coast Guard vessels, identified by bow numbers 5203 and 5205, began shadowing and monitoring the Philippine vessels.

Rozul Reef, a resource-rich area within the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ), has been a focal point of territorial tensions between Manila and Beijing. While the PCG has not disclosed further details about the reported harassment, the deployment underscores the Philippines’ commitment to safeguarding its sovereign waters and protecting its citizens.

The incident adds to the growing list of encounters in the West Philippine Sea, where tensions over overlapping claims and maritime conduct remain high. Philippine officials have repeatedly called for adherence to international law, including the 2016 arbitral ruling that invalidated Beijing’s sweeping claims over the South China Sea.

No confrontation between the vessels was reported as of press time, but the PCG said it would continue monitoring the area to ensure the safety of Filipino fishermen and maritime security in the region.