At least five Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) ships remained in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) despite several diplomatic protests filed against China over the illegal presence of its vessels in the country’s territory. In a statement on Wednesday, the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) said three Chinese vessels were in Bajo de Masinloc (BdM) and two more in the waters of Kalayaan in Palawan and Ayungin Shoal. “The Area Task Forces spotted those Chinese vessels and these incursions are under review for the possible filing of appropriate diplomatic actions,” the NTF-WPS said based on their monitoring from April 15 to 22.

Co, A. S. (2021, April 29). Chinese Coast Guard vessels still in WPS. Panay News, pp. 5, 14.