AFP: Number of Chinese vessels around Ayungin Shoal down from 24 to nine

September 9 ------ Due to bad weather conditions, the number of Chinese vessels monitored around Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal has significantly decreased from 24 to nine, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) disclosed.

AFP spokesperson for West Philippine Sea (WPS) Rear Adm. Roy Vincent Trinidad said two China Coast Guard (CCG) ships and seven Chinese maritime militia boats were spotted in the vicinity waters of Ayungin on Sunday, Sept. 7. “For yesterday, medyo bumaba nang kaunti ang numbers. This could be most likely on account of the weather, masama iyong panahon ngayon sa karagatan natin,” he said in a television interview over government-run PTV.

He said the number was within the range of China’s deployment in Ayungin, although he maintained that the vessels' presence is “illegal” as they are within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone (EEZ). Ayungin, located 105 nautical miles west of Palawan and is within the 200-nautical mile EEZ of Manila, was swarmed by four CCG ships and 20 maritime militia vessels last week in an apparent intimidation of Filipino sailors and marines manning the BRP Sierra Madre outpost.

Trinidad still refused to confirm whether or not a new resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal was held last week but international monitors said two Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) ships were seen en route to Ayungin as they were confronted by two dozen Chinese vessels. “The conduct of the resupply is an operational activity, details of which we leave to the Western Command. But we will not leave them (troops) or let them go hungry. Kailangan suportahan natin. It’s a moral obligation ng ating leadership,” he noted.

The admiral assured the public that if ever China would conduct more coercive and aggressive actions during the AFP’s resupply mission, “we have enough contingency plans in place to be able to respond.” “Kung sakaling may mga coercive and aggressive actions and—marami naman iyan eh every now and then they play it up eh—we ensure that all our actions are within the bounds of law. Our posturing is not aggressive, non-provocative. Maliwanag iyong sinabi ng ating Commander-in-Chief (President Marcos Jr.), we are not here to provoke. We are here merely to secure and to protect what is ours. Wala naman tayong inaangkin na hindi sa atin. We’re only protecting what is ours,” Trinidad said.

Source: mb.com.ph