The Philippine Coast Guard challenged a China Coast Guard vessel near Cabra Island in Occidental Mindoro and monitored three Chinese navy warships operating in the area, according to PCG officials.
The PCG also tracked the Chinese research vessel Jia Hai Ke 7 about 38 nautical miles northwest of Itbayat, Batanes, where authorities said its movement pattern was consistent with marine scientific research and its AIS data appeared to have been spoofed.
The PCG said the vessel did not respond to repeated radio challenges and was operating near submarine cable corridors connecting the Philippines with Northeast Asia and the wider Indo-Pacific.
Meanwhile, the Armed Forces of the Philippines said it would continue enforcing Philippine maritime rights, while the Department of the Interior and Local Government called on local governments to strengthen support for coastal communities affected by developments in the West Philippine Sea.
The PCG said it will continue monitoring foreign vessels and take necessary measures against unauthorized activities within Philippine maritime zones.
Source: PhilNews24 | September 29, 2026
