Chinese vessels were spotted over Bajo de Masinloc during the aerial surveillance of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Thursday, Oct.6.
PCG commandant Admiral Artemio M. Abu said four China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels – two inside and two outside the BDM--were spotted while two Chinese militia vessels were also observed outside the vicinity waters.
The PCG has been conducting aerial surveillance and patrol at the West Philippine Sea as part of the efforts to assert the country's sovereignty amid the territorial dispute in the South China Sea.
Part of the regular patrol, according to Abu, is the distribution of relief supplies to the fishermen and conduct of free health check-ups to fishermen who is in need of medical attention.
PCG vessels are also tasked to ensure the safety of local fishermen.
On Tuesday's aerial surveillance, Abu said approximately 30 to 40 Filipino fishing boats were spotted along with BRP Gabriela Silang (OPV-8301) and BRP Suluan (MRRV-4406) near the mouth of the Bajo de Masinloc, or Panatag Shoal.