The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) monitors the presence of CCG 5901, the largest vessel of the Chinese Coast Guard, near the BRP Sierra Madre in the Ayungin Shoal.
In a statement, the AFP decried the presence of the CCG 5901, also known as 'The Monster', as illegal, coercive, and contrary to the spirit of maintaining peace and stability in the West Philippine Sea.
"The presence of this 12,000-ton CCG ship near BRP Sierra Madre is part of a broader pattern of intrusive patrols aimed at asserting unlawful claims over areas within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone," AFP remarked.
The AFP called for all nations to respect international law and to refrain from actions that escalate tensions in the West Philippine Sea.
"The AFP closely monitors all activities in the WPS as part of our commitment to maritime domain awareness and the protection of our territorial integrity, sovereignty, and sovereign rights," the AFP said.
The appearance of CCG 5901 in the West Philippine Sea came days after Chinese boats rammed ships bringing supplies to Filipino troops stationed at the BRP Sierra Madre.
During the incident last June 17, Chinese troops waved bladed weapons and seized several the equipments, including rifles, from the Filipino troops.
A Filipino soldier also lost his finger during the incident.
