Two Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessels were intercepted by a China Coast Guard (CCG) ship and at least six maritime militia vessels near Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), an American maritime expert said on Sunday. Ray Powell, a former military officer and defense attaché from the United States, said a CCG vessel with bow number 5203 obstructed the PCG’s BRP Cabra and BRP Cape Engano when these were passing 14 nautical miles east of Ayungin Shoal. Powell detailed the latest confrontation between the CCG and the PCG in his post on X, formerly Twitter.

Kabagani, L. J. (2024, July 8). China vessels intercept PCG ships. Daily Tribune, pp. A1, A6.