AFP confirms sighting of CCG ‘monster’ ship near Ayungin

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Tuesday reported the sighting of the Chinese Coast Guard’s (CCG) biggest vessel near BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal.

In a statement, the AFP said the sighting of the 12,000-ton Chinese ship was part of the claimant’s “broader pattern of intrusive patrol” aimed at asserting unlawful claims over the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

The military has been closely monitoring all activities in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) as part of its commitment to maritime domain awareness and the protection of our country’s territorial integrity, sovereignty, and sovereign rights.

The Philippine Navy also reported 129 Chinese vessels in the disputed international waters within the country’s EEZ.

According to data released by the Navy, a total of 14 CCG vessels were roaming around Bajo de Masinloc in Zambales (5), Ayungin Shoal (6) and Pag-asa Island in Palawan (3) between June 18 to 24.

The Philippine Navy also reported 5 People’s Liberation Army Navy vessels around Bajo de Masinloc (1) and Ayungin Shoal (4) during the same period.

110 Chinese Maritime Militia Vessels, on the other hand, were monitored in Bajo de Masinloc (15), (34) Ayungin Shoal (34), Pag-asa Islands (34), Lawak Islands (1), Panata Islands (1), and Recto Bank (25).

On Monday, a WPS monitor saw the monster ship of CCG near the Philippine naval post in Ayungin Shoal.

“As of 9:00am, the 12,000-ton CCG vessel “passed close” to the Philippines’ naval post and was heading north,” Maritime Security Expert Ray Powell said.

This came after the June 17 ramming incident in the area between the Philippine Navy and CCG that left injuries to Filipino soldiers.

Powell also said that the CCG ship, which also entered the WPS last month, did not intend to stay within the vicinity of the shoal.

The AFP assured that they remain vigilant and steadfast in their mission to uphold international maritime laws, specifically the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

“We emphasize that such actions by the CCG are illegal, coercive, and contrary to the spirit of maintaining peace and stability in the region,” the AFP reiterated.

“Our forces will continue to monitor and report any developments in the WPS in the performance of our mandate. We call on all nations to respect international law and to refrain from actions that escalate tensions in the WPS.”

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