Manila, Oct. 15 -- The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Thursday drove away a Chinese fishing vessel and its four small boats for illegal fishing in the territorial sea of Lawak Island in Kalayaan, Palawan.

In a statement, PCG Spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Rear Admiral Jay Tarriela said the operation was carried out by PCG personnel stationed on the island.

"Lawak Island is an integral part of the Municipality of Kalayaan, Province of Palawan. Under international law, the Philippines exercises full sovereignty over its territorial sea, where no foreign vessel may fish without authorization," Tarriela said.

The operation began on Thursday morning with PCG personnel launching a rubber boat to document and drive away Chinese fis...