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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Chinese vessels maintain presence in Ayungin Shoal after injuring Filipino sailors

Chinese vessels maintain presence in Ayungin Shoal after injuring Filipino sailors

Published Jul 29, 2026 03:41 pm

At A Glance

  • The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) monitored 26 Chinese vessels in the West Philippine Sea from July 21 to 26, including nine ships near Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal a week after the confrontation that injured two Philippine Navy personnel.
  • The monitored vessels included seven China Coast Guard (CCG) ships and two People's Liberation Army-Navy (PLA-N) warships in Ayungin Shoal, 13 CCG vessels in Bajo de Masinloc, one CCG vessel near Escoda Shoal, and two PLA-N warships and a CCG vessel near Pag-asa Island.
  • Despite the continued Chinese presence in key maritime areas, the AFP said no new untoward incidents were recorded during the six-day monitoring period.
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)
Chinese ships continued operating near Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal a week after two Philippine Navy (PN) personnel were injured during a violent confrontation, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said.
AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said a total of 26 Chinese vessels were monitored in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) during its week-long monitoring from July 21 to 26.
This included seven China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels and two People’s Liberation Army-Navy (PLA-N) warships in Ayungin Shoal.
“After the incident, we gave you updates. The following day, we conducted medical evacuation operations, which were successful,” Padilla said, referring to the July 20 clash between CCG personnel and PN sailors after the Chinese forces came close to the BRP Sierra Madre outpost.
Read: AFP: China Coast Guard crew assaults PH Navy sailor near BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin
“On top of that, to give you updates on the West Philippine Sea, covering July 21 to 26, 2026, we monitored the following presence. In Ayungin Shoal, there were seven China Coast Guard vessels and two People's Liberation Army Navy vessels,” she said.
Meanwhile, there were 13 CCG vessels in Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough or Panatag Shoal) and one CCG vessel near Escoda (Sabina) Shoal.
The military also monitored two PLA-N warships and a CCG vessel near Pag-asa (Thitu) Island.
“In total, we monitored 22 China Coast Guard vessels and four People's Liberation Army Navy vessels, for a total of 26 Chinese vessels,” Padilla said.
Despite the continued presence of Chinese ships across key maritime features, Padilla said no new untoward incidents were recorded during the six-day monitoring period.
Read: 'Ano ba talagang nangyari?' Key details emerge on violent confrontation between PH, Chinese forces in Ayungin Shoal

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