China Coast Guard vessels shadow PH civilian ship in WPS

Two China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels are shadowing the Philippine civilian mission ship, the M/V Kapitan Felix Oca, as it sails towards Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea.

The CCG vessels maintained distances of 3 and 5 nautical miles from the Atin Ito ship, which departed from El Nido, Palawan early Tuesday morning.

Radio challenges were exchanged between the Chinese and Philippine vessels during the encounter.

The Atin Ito Coalition's mission, running from May 26 to May 30, involves over 150 volunteers aiming to support coastal communities.

The mission is expected to arrive at Pag-asa Island early Wednesday, where they plan to hold a concert and distribute supplies to fisherfolk.

The Philippine Navy, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and other maritime agencies are prepared to extend support to the civilian mission.

The Western Command is monitoring the activity, with appropriate contingencies in place should the AFP be required to respond.