MANILA, May 22 ------ A substantial increase in the number of Chinese vessels was monitored in the West Philippine Sea in the wake of a civilian mission to Bajo de Masinloc, which is also called Scarborough Shoal and Panatag Shoal. The Philippine Navy noted an increase in the presence of Chinese coast guard and maritime militia vessels, particularly in Bajo de Masinloc during the same period when the Atin Ito mission was conducted.
Based on data released to reporters on Tuesday, there were 9 China Coast Guard vessels, 4 People’s Liberation Army Navy vessels, and 42 Chinese maritime militia vessels seen in the traditional fishing ground from May 14 to 20. The figures are higher compared to the 8 CCGVs, 2 PLAN warships, and 18 CMMVs recorded from May 7 to 13. Meanwhile, a total of 128 Chinese vessels were monitored within the vicinity of Philippine-occupied features in the West Philippine Sea.
Of the 128 ships, 14 were CCGVs, 6 were PLANVs, and 108 were CMMVs. These were monitored from May 14 to 20. The Philippine Navy said 4 CCGVs and 25 CMMVs were seen in Ayungin Shoal, while 1 CCGV, 2 PLANVs, and 27 CMMVs were spotted near Pagasa Island. Additionally, CMMVs were monitored in the following maritime features: Kota Island (1), Likas Island (1), Lawak Island (2), Panata Island (7), and Patag Island (3). There were no sightings of Chinese vessels near Parola Island.
Source: news.abs-cbn.com
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