The presence of the China Coast Guard (CCG) persists despite the effort of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to block them and assist the four main vessels of the second civilian resupply mission of the Atin Ito Coalition to the Bajo de Masinloc or Panatag Shoal in the West Philippine Sea on May 15, 2024. Fisherfolk on small bancas join volunteers from the Atin Ito Coalition and members of the media as they prepare to depart from Matalbis Port in Masinloc, Zambales, for the second civilian resupply mission to the West Philippine Sea on May 15, 2024. Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News/File MANILA — The Armed Forces of the Philippines said it monitored a total of 13,874 vessels all over the archipelago last month.

The maritime traffic is composed of 11,097 foreign vessels—including 15 China Coast Guard ships and 14 People’s Liberation Army Navy ships—and 2,777 domestic vessels.

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According to Philippine Navy spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, the 29 Chinese vessels were monitored passed through the vicinity of Scarborough Shoal or Bajo de Masinloc, Sabina Shoal or Escoda Shoal, Julian Felipe Reef and Iroquois Reef. The said vessels were not stationary, he added.

“The AFP’s monitoring capabilities underscore our dedication to protecting national interests and securing our waters. These provide valuable data on vessel movements and reinforces our resolve to safeguard our sovereignty,” Trinidad said in a statement on Tuesday.

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“Your AFP remains vigilant, ready to assess potential maritime challenges, and resolute in its mission to uphold maritime security and the rights of the Filipino people, not only in the West Philippine Sea, but the entire Philippines,” he continued.