12 Chinese vessels spotted near Bajo de Masinloc — PCG

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) observed 12 Chinese vessels in the vicinity of Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal) in the West Philippine Sea.

In a statement on Thursday, PCG said it conducted a routine maritime patrol and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in the area.

“The BFAR patrol aircraft conducted aerial surveillance of the maritime situation, identifying two China Coast Guard vessels (3106 and 3104) positioned outside Bajo De Masinloc, along with seven Chinese maritime militia vessels in the surrounding waters,” PCG said.

“Two Chinese maritime militia vessels were observed stationed inside the shoal, monitoring access routes into the area. Additionally, a People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) vessel, bow number 552, was reported approximately 50 nautical miles off the coast of Zambales,” it added.

During the patrol operation, PCG said its vessels, BRP Teresa Magbanua and BRP Cabra, distributed food packages and groceries to Filipino fishermen who were fishing in the area.

About 40 Filipino fishing boats were observed engaging in fishing activities during the patrol.

“The Philippine Coast Guard and BFAR are committed to upholding the rights of Filipino fishermen and ensuring their safety in the West Philippine Sea, while actively promoting peaceful and secure maritime operations,” PCG said.

Earlier this week, the Philippine Navy said it conducted rotation and reprovisioning (RORE) missions in nine islands in the West Philippine Sea this December.

During the RORE missions, the Philippine Navy said it spotted four Chinese vessels near Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal, but no untoward incident happened.  —NB, GMA Integrated News