FROM 104 Chinese vessels last week, the number of Chinese vessels monitored in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) rose to 122.
Based on the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), this includes 106 Chinese maritime militia vessels (CMM), 12 China Coast Guard (CCG) ships, and 3 People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) ships.
AFP spokesperson Colonel Francel Margareth Padilla said they cannot speculate on the reason for the increasing number of Chinese ships.
‘‘This varies, every week there are certain cases that increase in number. There are also certain cases that their number is decreasing. We cannot of course speculate on this what is the reason behind it. But some of the reasons could be— he came down late because our weather was not good in this area. So, there will also be less presence of vessels in the area,’’ according to Col. Francel Margareth Padilla Spokesperson, AFP.
Padilla noted that the WPS, which is part of the South China Sea, can be considered a very busy corridor.
‘‘Other vessels also come and go there. Overall, we could not really speculate on the numbers,’’ Col. Padilla said.
But she said, what is important to emphasize here is that the AFP can monitor the presence of these vessels in the WPS.
‘‘But what is important to emphasize is that the Armed Forces of the Philippines is able to monitor this presence and act accordingly, with the issuance of challenges and of course what actions must be taken by the Armed Forces,’’ Padilla added.
The presence of the said Chinese vessels was observed in Bajo de Masinloc, Ayungin Shoal, Pag-asa Islands, Kota Island, Lawak Island, Panata Island, Patag Island, Escoda Shoal, Julian Felipe Reef, Rozul Reef (Iroquois Reef).
The spokesperson of the Philippine Navy first announced that although the number of Chinese ships in the West Philippine Sea increased to 122 this week, it cannot be considered alarming.
