PH Navy: Three Chinese vessels near Panatag, one off Zambales

[Updated Nov. 27, 2025, 8:54 p.m.]

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Navy on Thursday said it was monitoring four Chinese Coast Guard vessels in the West Philippine Sea, with three near Panatag Shoal, and a fourth off the coast of Zambales.

As of 12 noon Thursday, Philippine Navy spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Rear Adm. Roy Vincent Trinidad said the three ships near Panatag were within about 3.7 kilometers of the shoal, while the fourth vessel, traveling north at about eight knots, was roughly 93 kilometers west of Zambales and not immediately near the shoal.

“We can see that the three were within the vicinity of Bajo de Masinloc, while the other one approached the coastal area of Zambales,” Trinidad said during a chance interview on the sidelines of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Leadership Summit in Quezon City.

READ: 23 Chinese vessels spotted in WPS, says Navy official

The fourth ship, tracked southeast of Panatag Shoal and west of Botolan, Zambales, was continuously moving north. 

The shoal, locally known as Bajo de Masinloc, lies about 229 km (124 nautical miles) west of Zambales, within the Philippines’ 370-km (200-nautical-mile) exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

Trinidad noted that adverse weather, including a recent typhoon, appeared to influence the presence of the vessels. 

“During the storm, we noticed their numbers decreased. This could now be the return of the ships after the typhoon,” he said.

Trinidad said the Northern Luzon Naval Command had attempted to dispatch an aircraft to challenge the vessel, but adverse weather prevented takeoff.

However, the spokesperson said there is no cause for alarm. 

“We are already aware of their presence. That’s why we monitor them and record everything,” Trinidad said.

He also clarified that the only changes at Panatag Shoal after China’s disputed declaration of a “nature reserve” were the installation of two buoys on the shoal’s northeast corner and the placement of barriers. He said the number of ships in the area has remained consistent.

Trinidad said the Northern Luzon Command continues to patrol the area, in coordination with the Philippine Coast Guard and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources. /mr