A China Coast Guard vessel near Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal) on May 15, 2024. Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News
MANILA — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) monitored a total of 48 Chinese coast guard and naval vessels in key features of the West Philippine Sea from September 8 to 14.
The monitored vessels consisted of 32 China Coast Guard (CCG) ships and 16 People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLA-N) warships.
The highest concentration was recorded in Bajo de Masinloc, where the AFP monitored 21 Chinese vessels—15 CCG vessels and six PLA-N vessels.
At Ayungin Shoal, the AFP monitored eight CCG vessels.
At Escoda Shoal, there were three CCG ships and four PLA-N warships, while six CCG vessels and six PLA-N vessels were recorded near Pag-asa Island.
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AFP REITERATES POSITION ON WPS FEATURES
AFP spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Retired Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad (Reserve) stressed that the military’s position on the West Philippine Sea, including Batanes, Bajo de Masinloc and Ayungin Shoal, is anchored on Philippine domestic and international law.
“The stand of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, when it comes to the West Philippine Sea—to Batanes, Bajo de Masinloc, and Ayungin Shoal—our stand is supported by domestic law and international law, specifically the Arbitral Tribunal of 2016,” Trinidad said on Wednesday.
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The official emphasized the distinction between the legal status of Bajo de Masinloc and Ayungin Shoal.
“First, Bajo de Masinloc is a high-tide elevation. We have sovereignty over Bajo de Masinloc. Secondly, Ayungin Shoal is a low-tide elevation within our EEZ [exclusive economic zone]. We have sovereign rights over the waters of Ayungin Shoal,” he said.
Trinidad also reaffirmed the AFP’s commitment to maintaining Philippine presence at Ayungin Shoal through the BRP Sierra Madre, the Philippine Navy’s commissioned vessel stationed there.
“She [BRP Sierra Madre] will remain there. The AFP will continue supporting and sustaining the presence of BRP Sierra Madre on Ayungin Shoal,” he added.
Trinidad likewise reiterated the AFP’s position on Batanes, saying it forms part of Philippine territory.
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“The Batanes group of islands is part and parcel of Philippine territory,” he noted.
The statement comes amid renewed Chinese claims involving Batanes and other Philippine-occupied features in the West Philippine Sea.
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Chinese research vessel’s movements indicate no seabed drilling at Bajo de Masinloc—AFP