A Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessel that took part in a maritime training exercise that went on patrol in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) challenged Chinese maritime militia (CMM) ships within the country’s exclusive economic zone, prompting the vessels to leave. At the same time, the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) protested the blocking and dangerous maneuvers made by the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) against two other PCG ships at the Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough shoal). Four PCG ships and four vessels from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) manned also by PCG personnel conducted two weeks of sea training exercises in the WPS at the Batanes waters and in the eastern portion of the country last month.

Acosta, R. (2021, May 6). Esperon hits Chinese Coast Guard's risky maneuvers vs PCG ships at Scarborough. Business Mirror, p. A3.