Quezon city: A total of 55 assorted Chinese naval, coast guard, and maritime militia vessels were detected in four key features of the West Philippine Sea from January 18 to 25, a ranking Philippine Navy (PN) official said on Tuesday.
According to Philippines News Agency, the 55 ships are broken down into five People's Liberation Army (PLAN) warships, 10 China Coast Guard (CCG) ships, and 40 Chinese Maritime Militia Vessels (CMMVs), PN spokesperson for the WPS Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad said during a media briefing at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.
These ships were located in Bajo de Masinloc, Ayungin, and Escoda Shoals, and Pag-asa Island. Trinidad reported that 13 vessels were spotted in Bajo de Masinloc, comprising four PLAN warships, four CCG vessels, and five CMMVs.
Additionally, three CCG ships and two CMMVs were seen in Ayungin Shoal. Another two CCG vessels and five CMMVs were identified in Escoda Shoal. Near Pag-asa Island, one PLAN warship, one CCG ship, and 28 CMMVs were closely monitored.
