47 Chinese vessels transit West Philippine Sea in October

Forty-seven Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) and People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) vessels transited through various areas in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) in October, according to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad confirmed that 29 CCG and PLAN ships were monitored passing near Bajo de Masinloc, Sabina Shoal, Julian Felipe Reef, and Iroquois Reef without stopping, marking a new record-high.

The AFP's monitoring capabilities provided valuable data on vessel movements, reinforcing its commitment to protecting national interests and sovereignty in Philippine waters.

Overall in October, the AFP monitored 13,874 vessels passing through the Philippine archipelago, including 11,097 foreign and 2,777 domestic vessels.

These monitoring efforts are part of the military's mandate to secure Philippine waters and safeguard national sovereignty.