82 Chinese naval, coast guard vessels monitored in West PH Sea in May - AFP

MANILA, June 7 ------ The Armed Forces of the Philippines monitored a total of 82 Chinese naval and coast guard vessels in the West Philippine Sea in May.

The ships from the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLA-N) and China Coast Guard (CCG) were seen in the following features:

- Bajo de Masinloc – 39 vessels (16 PLA-N, 23 CCG)

- Ayungin Shoal – 17 vessels (5 PLA-N, 12 CCG)

- Escoda Shoal – 10 vessels (6 PLA-N, 4 CCG)

- Pag-asa Island – 16 vessels (4 PLA-N, 12 CCG)

"These figures underscore the continued conduct of ICAD [illegal, coercive, aggressive and deceptive] activities that undermine the rules-based international order and challenge the Philippines' sovereign rights and jurisdiction within its maritime domain," Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad (Reserve), AFP spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, told reporters at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Tuesday."Such actions contribute to regional tensions and highlight the importance of continued vigilance and adherence to international law," he added.

Meanwhile, across the country's broader maritime domain, the Philippine Navy monitored a total of 21,751 vessels in May, reflecting sustained maritime activity within Philippine waters. Of the total, 17,697 were foreign vessels while 4,054 were domestic vessels.

A total of 15,426 vessels responded to radio challenges, while 6,325 vessels did not. "These monitoring and challenge procedures form a vital component of the AFP's maritime domain awareness efforts, enabling the timely detection, identification, and assessment of vessels operating within Philippine waters," Trinidad said. He continued, "Through sustained vigilance and operational presence, the Navy continues to reinforce national sovereignty and contribute to the safety, security, and stability of the maritime environment."

Despite the continued presence of Chinese vessels in the West Philippine Sea, the AFP said it remains committed to safeguarding the country's maritime interests through sustained operational presence, enhanced maritime domain awareness, strengthened inter-agency coordination, and continued capability development. The military also reiterated its commitment to protecting Philippine sovereignty, upholding maritime security, and promoting peace, stability, and the rule of law in the West Philippine Sea.

Source: news.abs-cbn.com