A total of 24 Chinese vessels were seen in Ayungin Shoal ahead of a possible rotation and resupply mission to the Philippine Navy’s BRP Sierra Madre, according to a military official on Friday. Philippine Navy spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea (WPS) Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad said four China Coast Guard (CCG) ships and 20 Chinese maritime militia vessels were spotted in the area Thursday. “I could give the latest on Ayungin Shoal. As of yesterday, same number, 20 ‘yung ating maritime militia monitored and four Coast Guard ships,” he told reporters in a forum. (I could give the latest on Ayungin Shoal. As of yesterday, same number, 20 of maritime militia and four Coast Guard ships were monitored.) “These have been the numbers for the past four, maybe five days. Before that, I mentioned that four na maritime militia lang and two Coast Guard vessels because most likely on account of the unfavorable weather condition,” he added.

Full report : 24 Chinese ships spotted in Ayungin ahead of possible resupply mission.