Fewer Chinese ships in WPS; Sabina Shoal still swarmed

MANILA – The number of Chinese ships spotted in various features of the West Philippine Sea (WPS) has dropped, the majority of which are still swarming the Sabina Shoal (also known as Escoda Shoal), the Philippine Navy (PN) said Tuesday.

In its latest monitoring, the Navy said a total of 157 Chinese vessels were sighted in the WPS from Sept. 10 to 16, down from 207 ships logged from Sept. 3 to 9.

The latest figure includes 123 Chinese Maritime Militia Vessels (CMMVs), 26 China Coast Guard Vessels (CCGVs), seven People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) warships and one Chinese Research and Survey Vessel (CRSV).

Out of these ships, 65 are swarming the Sabina Shoal – 52 CMMVs, four PLAN ships and nine CCGVs.

Over the weekend, the Philippine Coast Guard's largest vessel BRP Teresa Magbanua left the Sabina Shoal after a five-month deployment in the area that started on April 15.

Meanwhile, 32 Chinese vessels were spotted off Pagasa Island – 31 CMMVs and one CCGV.

Another 18 vessels were seen in the Bajo de Masinloc – eight CMMVs, six CCGVs, three PLAN ships and the lone CRSV.

A total of 17 ships were spotted in the Ayungin Shoal – 10 CCGVs and seven CMMVs while another 17 CMMVs were seen in Iroquois Reef.

Eight CMMVs, meanwhile, were spotted in Lawak and Panata Islands. (PNA)