PCG: Chinese maritime militia vessels spotted in parts of West PH Sea

Photo from the Philippine Coast Guard

MANILA, Philippines — Six Chinese Maritime militia vessels were spotted in Rozul (Iroquois) Reef, while over 50 others were monitored within Pagasa (Thitu) Island during a maritime domain awareness (MDA) flight conducted by Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) over the Kalayaan Island Group in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

In a statement on Thursday, PCG said that they conducted the MDA flight over the region, along with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), in response to a People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy helicopter’s “dangerous flight maneuvers” against a Philippine aircraft.

“The MDA flight was executed using two BFAR aircraft, departing from Puerto Princesa,” the agency said.

“During the operation, the aircraft observed and documented the following sightings: Rozul Reef-Detected six Chinese Maritime Militia vessels illegally present; Pagasa Island-Noted the presence of a China Coast Guard vessel with bow number 5101 and over fifty Chinese Maritime Militia vessels,” it added.

According to PCG, the BFAR aircraft consistently challneged the illegal presence of Chinese maritime forces in the said areas during the flight.

“This mission also documented the unlawful activities conducted by the Chinese Coast Guard and Maritime Militia in the Kalayaan Island Group,” it said.

READ: West Philippine Sea: Chinese militia ships flee Panatag as Enteng nears

“Undeterred by provocations from the People’s Republic of China, BFAR and PCG remain resolute in maintaining our presence in the West Philippine Sea and confronting the illegal activities of foreign vessels,” it added.