By Priam Nepomuceno

RECKLESS. A China frigate conducts aggressive maneuvers against Philippine vessel BRP Emilio Jacinto (PS-35), which was conducting lawful maritime operations in Bajo de Masinloc at West Philippine Sea on May 5, 2025. The Armed Forces of the Philippines on Tuesday (June 10) said a total of 41 China Coast Guard and People’s Liberation Army Navy ships were monitored in three Philippine-held features in the WPS in May. (Screengrab from video of BRP Emilio Jacinto)

MANILA – A total of 41 China Coast Guard (CCG) and People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) ships were monitored in three Philippine-held features in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) in May, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said Tuesday.

In a report, the military said the 41 CCG and PLAN vessels were spotted at the following locations:

–Bajo de Masinloc: 15 CCG vessels, 11 PLAN ships;

–Ayungin Shoal: 6 CCG, 1 PLAN;

–Pag-asa Island: 4 CCG, 4 PLAN.

In the same period, the AFP also monitored a total of 15,765 vessels across the Philippine archipelago.

“This sustained operational tempo reflects the unwavering focus on maritime domain awareness and enforcement of our sovereign rights,” it added.

Of the total, 12,608 were classified as foreign vessels.

The AFP said 1,349 vessels did not respond to radio challenges.

“The majority of these incidents were recorded in Pag-asa (665 vessels), Tubbataha (184 vessels), and Ayungin Shoal (125 vessels) — areas of high interest due to their proximity to other maritime zones,” it added.

The WPS refers to the maritime areas on the western side of the Philippine archipelago, including Luzon Sea and the waters around, within and adjacent to the Kalayaan Island Group and Bajo de Masinloc. (PNA)