A Chinese Navy warship stalked the BRP Sindangan (MRRV-4407), one of the two Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) ships escorting Filipino boats bringing supplies to a small garrison at Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal this week. “The Chinese Navy is already there?” Capt. Dennis Rem Labay, commander of the PCG District Palawan, wondered aloud as he watched from the bridge of the BRP Cabra (MRRV-4409), the other escort ship. “That seems so close,” added Cmdr. Emmanuel Dangate, the patrol ship’s skipper. At the bridge deck, a high-profile guest in a bright yellow jacket was watching Chinese coast guard and maritime militia vessels weave in and out in front of the Cabra under the blazing sun.

Mangosing, F., & Ticke, G. (2023, October 7). Locsin sees China warship harassing PH boats up close. Philippine Daily Inquirer, pp. A1, A4.