The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has reported an increase in the number of Chinese maritime militia (CMM) vessels in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
Normally concentrated around Ayungin or Second Thomas Shoal, these vessels have been observed in larger numbers at Rozul (Iroquois) Reef and near Pag-asa Island in the past two months.
The AFP Western Command chief, Vice Adm. Alberto Carlos, mentioned that the vessels are not leaving the area, prompting the military to prepare a diplomatic protest. Carlos noted a significant rise in the swarming of CMM vessels around Pag-asa Island, increasing from 10-15 in October to 40-45 as of last week.
The AFP is coordinating with the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea to address the situation through diplomatic channels and nonconfrontational measures.
Ayungin, subject to Philippines’ sovereign rights, is 195 km off mainland Palawan, while Pag-asa Island is the largest of the nine features occupied by the Philippines in the Spratly Islands, situated 480 km west of Palawan’s provincial capital.
Source: PhilNews24 | November 17, 2023
