A Philippine civilian ship carrying volunteers reached Thitu Island in the South China Sea without being harassed by Chinese vessels, according to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG). The 115-meter-long M/V Kapitan Felix Oca anchored 8.3 kilometers northeast of Thitu Island, where it plans to hold a concert at sea as part of efforts to bolster Manila’s claim in the contested waterway, the PCG said in a statement on Wednesday. Three Chinese Coast Guard ships were seen loitering near the island in the Spratlys after the vessel carrying volunteers from the Atin Ito (This is Ours) coalition moored on Wednesday afternoon, it said. One was seen as close as 3.1 kilometers west of the island.

Basilio, K. C. L. (2025, May 29). Philippine civilian vessel reaches Thitu Island without any incident. BusinessWorld, p. S1/12.