The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has reported the presence of over 100 Chinese Maritime Militia (CMM) vessels, a Chinese navy corvette class, and two China Coast Guard vessels in the West Philippine Sea.
The PCG dispatched two 44-meter vessels, BRP Malabrigo (MRRV-4402) and BRP Malapascua (MRRV-4403), to conduct a seven-day maritime patrol in the region.
During the mission, the PCG vessels detected 18 Chinese maritime militia vessels near Sabina Shoal, 17 groups of CMM in the vicinity of Julian Felipe Reef, and four additional CMM vessels engaged in fishing activities in the territorial sea of Pag-asa.
Despite radio challenges by the PCG vessels, the CMM did not respond or comply with orders to vacate the areas immediately.
On April 21, a Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy vessel crossed paths with the PCG vessels, and the Chinese navy challenged the presence of the PCG vessels over the radio and directed them to leave the area.
However, the PCG vessels did not back down and asserted their rights to carry out operations within the territorial sea of Pag-asa Island.
On April 23, two Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) vessels intercepted the PCG vessels in the vicinity of Ayungin Shoal, with CCG vessel 5201 carrying out dangerous maneuvers near BRP Malapascua, and CCG vessel 4202 closely monitoring the movements of BRP Malabrigo.
The PCG has submitted a report to the National Task Force West Philippine Sea (NTFWPS), highlighting the continued appearance of alleged CMM vessels within the Philippines' Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and the aggressive actions of the CCG against PCG vessels.
The PCG, along with the Western Command (WESCOM) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Area Task Force - West (ATF-WEST), remains dedicated to protecting the Philippines' exclusive sovereign rights in its EEZ, sovereignty, territory, and continental shelf in the West Philippine Sea.
