The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported on Friday that the number of Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) vessels and maritime militia that had been previously seen at the West Philippine Sea last week had drastically dropped.

In a statement, PCG said it observed that the number decreased to 15 from 42 vessels during its most recent Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) flight conducted last Thursday.

PCG, however, noted that the PLA Navy’s Jiangdao Class warship and CCG vessel 5203 continue to loiter within Pag-asa Island's 12 nautical mile territorial sea.

Meanwhile, the Coast guard said CCG vessel 5304 maintained a closed distance from BRP Sierra Madre, the Philippines’ grounded warship in Ayungin Shoal.

On the other hand, over the Sabina Shoal, the Chinese maritime militia declined in number to 17 ships from 26 ships that were observed two weeks ago.

“During the flight, the PCG received a total of seven radio challenges from the CCG vessels: four challenges while over Pag-asa Island’s territorial sea; and three while over the vicinity of Ayungin Shoal,” it said.

To guarantee a coordinated response to the situation in the West Philippine Sea, the PCG said continuously works with the Western Command (WESCOM) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Area Task Force - West (ATF-WEST).