4 Chinese coast guard vessels spotted in and outside Panatag Shoal —PCG

Four Chinese coast guard vessels were spotted during an aerial surveillance in the vicinity waters of Bajo De Masinloc, also known as Panatag Shoal, on Thursday, according to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

In a statement, the PCG said two China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels were spotted inside the shoal, which is about 124 nautical miles west of Zambales.

“During the said overflight, the PCG monitored four CCG vessels – two inside and two outside the BDM,” the PCG said.

“Two Chinese militia vessels were also observed outside the said vicinity waters,” it added.

No challenge was made between the PCG and the CCG during the aerial surveillance, the PCG said.

GMA News Online has sought statements from the Department of National Defense and the National Task Force on the West Philippine Sea regarding the presence of Chinese vessels in Bajo de Masinloc, but both have yet to give one as of writing.

Personnel from the PCG conducted the surveillance onboard Cessna 208 Caravan. 

BRP Gabriela Silang (OPV-8301) and BRP Suluan (MRRV-4406) were also seen near Bajo De Masinloc’s mouth to ensure the safety and security of Filipino fishermen.

Some 30 to 40 Filipino fishing boats were also observed during the overflight, the PCG said.

PCG Commandant Admiral Artemio Abu said  personnel onboard the capital ships regularly distribute relief supplies to the fishermen.

Medical teams also provide free health check-ups to those who need them during operations, he added.

China gained control of the shoal after a standoff between Chinese and Philippine vessels in 2012. Since then, several Chinese Coast Guard ships are said to be guarding the shoal at any given time.

The Philippine government sued China before the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague in 2013. The court ruled in favor of the Philippines in July 2016 when it junked China's nine-dash claim over the South China Sea.

In the same ruling, the court also ruled that the Panganiban (Mischief) Reef, Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal, and Recto (Reed) Bank are within the Philippines' EEZ.

The court also deemed Panatag Shoal as a common fishing ground and outlawed China's aggression toward Filipino fishermen there. —Joviland Rita/KBK, GMA News