A China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel challenged and sailed dangerously close to a Philippine boat which brought fresh food, Noche Buena packages, and other supplies to soldiers stationed on Ayungin Shoal (Second Thomas Shoal) in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) on Saturday, Dec. 17. Vice Adm. Alberto Carlos, commander of the Palawan-based Western Command (WESCOM), said the resupply mission to troops manning the grounded BRP Sierra Madre on Ayungin Shoal went “successful” despite the shadowing and challenge done by the CCG vessel with bow number 5205 that was accompanied by several Chinese militia vessels.

Sadongdong, M. A. (2022, December 19). China Coast Guard vessel shadows PH supply boat to Ayungin Shoal. Manila Bulletin, pp. 1, 5.