China's coast guard vessel spotted in Ayungin Shoal —Wescom

A Chinese coast guard vessel was spotted by the military in Ayungin Shoal which was within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone.

According to a report on GMA News TV's State of the Nation with Jessica Soho on Monday, the Armed Forces' Western Command said that the vessel had been on standby at the area for almost three weeks.

It added that the ship was first sighted on August 1, 2019, and only leaves the site when it runs out of supplies.

The Armed Forces believe that the vessel is being used to monitor the situation in the disputed West Philippine Sea.

It, however, said that the coast guard vessel does not hinder the operations of the Philippine military in Ayungin Shoal.

GMA News reached out to the Chinese Embassy for comment but has yet to receive a response.

Chinese warships made at least three uncoordinated passage in the Philippine waters this month, according to the military.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. already ordered the filing of diplomatic protest against the incident.

The Palace also said that the unannounced passage of Chinese warships was an issue with the Office of the President.

In May last year, Philippine Navy personnel were "challenged and harassed by Chinese coast guard  and the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) of China" in Ayungin. 

Then Magdalo party-list Rep. gary Alejano said that "when the Philippine Navy ship launched a rubber boat to resupply BRP Sierra Madre, a chopper of PLAN hovered in a close and dangerous distance."

"The PLAN chopper was so close that sea water splash entered the rubber boat,” he added.

Ayungin Shoal is about 105 nautical miles from Palawan and is part of the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone. —Dona Magsino/LDF, GMA News