The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said Thursday it spotted four Chinese coast guard vessels in the waters off Bajo De Masinloc, also known as Panatag Shoal, during a recent aerial surveillance mission.
Two China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels were spotted inside the shoal, which is about 124 nautical miles west of Zambales, the PCG said in a statement.
“Two Chinese militia vessels were also observed outside the said vicinity waters,” it added after its fly-over using its Cessna 208 Caravan.
No challenges were made by either group during the aerial surveillance, the local Coast Guard noted.
The Department of Defense and the National Task Force on the West Philippine Sea have yet to comment on the presence of Chinese vessels as of press time.
The BRP Gabriela Silang (OPV-8301) and BRP Suluan (MRRV-4406) were also seen near Bajo De Masinloc’s mouth to ensure the safety and security of Filipino fishermen.
Some 30 to 40 Filipino fishing boats were also observed during the overflight, the PCG said.
PCG Commandant Admiral Artemio Abu said personnel onboard the capital ships regularly distribute relief supplies to the fishermen.
Medical teams also provide free health check-ups to those who need them during operations, he added.
China gained control of the shoal after a standoff between Chinese and Philippine vessels in 2012. Since then, several Chinese Coast Guard ships have guarded the shoal as China seeks to strengthen its grip over the vast waterway.
The Philippine government sued China before the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague in 2013, and the court ruled in favor of the country in July 2016 when it junked China’s nine-dash claim over the South China Sea.
In the same ruling, the PCA also ruled that the Panganiban (Mischief) Reef, Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal, and Recto (Reed) Bank are within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.
The court also deemed Panatag Shoal as a common fishing ground and outlawed China’s aggression toward Filipino fishermen there.