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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PH Navy: Chinese Navy tugboat leaves Ayungin Shoal

PH Navy: Chinese Navy tugboat leaves Ayungin Shoal

Published Aug 28, 2025 07:41 pm
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) personnel aboard MV Lapu-Lapu sails toward BRP Sierra Madre (LS-57) in Ayungin Shoal, West Philippine Sea on May 16, 2025 to deliver essential supplies during a rotation and resupply mission. (Photo: AFP)
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) personnel aboard MV Lapu-Lapu sails toward BRP Sierra Madre (LS-57) in Ayungin Shoal, West Philippine Sea on May 16, 2025 to deliver essential supplies during a rotation and resupply mission. (Photo: AFP)
The Chinese Navy tugboat which was spotted near the BRP Sierra Madre at the Ayungin Shoal was no longer sighted as of Wednesday, Aug. 27, the Philippine Navy disclosed.
But Navy spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad said the number of Chinese vessels in the area almost remains the same in the past days since news of the presence of a tugboat was reported.
“Basically, the number has been constant… two Chinese Coast Guard, two maritime militia and 15 others, the RHIBs (rigid-hulled inflatable boats), we usually don't count it anymore,” said Trinidad.
“The tugboat was not sighted anymore as of yesterday (Aug. 27),” he added.
Defense and security analysts were alarmed after the reports of the presence of Chinese Navy tugboat near the BRP Sierra Madre, a large vessel which was purposely ran aground in the area to serve as symbol of Philippine sovereignty.
The presence of the Chinese Navy tugboat came with the reports of the spike in the number of Chinese vessels present near the Ayungin Shoal, prompting military chief of staff Gen. Romeo Brawner to order troops in the area to prevent Chinese from boarding the BRP Sierra Madre.
Trinidad, however, said there was a decrease in the number of Chinese vessels in the latest monitoring.
He, however, said they continue to monitor the situation.
“While it is lower than the report on the 20th of August, it is still much higher than the normal average of seven. Whatever the posturing of the other side, our troops will keep on maintaining the watch of warship,” said Trinidad
“There are contingency measures in place. The guidance has been given from the Commander-in-Chief from the Chief of Staff down to the Commander Western Command. We have full confidence in our troops. They know what to do and how to react,” he added.
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