The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) monitored 35 Chinese naval and coast guard vessels in four key areas of the West Philippine Sea from September 15 to 21.
AFP spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Rear Adm. Roy Vincent Trinidad said Tuesday that the vessels were spotted in Ayungin Shoal, Bajo de Masinloc, Escoda Shoal and the Pag-asa Islands.
The number was lower than the 48 Chinese vessels monitored in the same areas from September 8 to 14.
The AFP recorded 11 Chinese vessels in Ayungin Shoal, including four China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels and seven People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) vessels.
In Bajo de Masinloc, the military monitored 16 Chinese vessels, composed of 10 CCG vessels and six PLAN vessels.
Four CCG vessels were monitored in Escoda Shoal, while three CCG vessels and one PLAN vessel were spotted near the Pag-asa Islands.
AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said the military would continue naval and air patrols in the West Philippine Sea as part of its efforts to protect the country’s territorial and maritime interests.
“These operations are conducted in accordance with Philippine laws, international law, and established rules and procedures while respecting the rights and safety of all personnel operating in the area,” Padilla said.
The AFP regularly monitors foreign vessels in the West Philippine Sea as part of its maritime security operations.
