PH Navy: 62 Chinese ships spotted in WPS features in February 2026

A total of 62 Chinese vessels including warships were monitored over some features in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) in February, the Philippine Navy said on Tuesday.

Based on the update from Philippine Navy spokesperson for WPS  Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, Chinese ships were seen in the following areas:

• Bajo de Masinloc - 23 Chinese vessels (11 People's Liberation Army Navy vessels, 12 China Coast Guard vessels)
• Ayungin Shoal - 17 vessels (two PLANs, 15 CCGs)
• Escoda Shoal - 13 vessels (six PLANs, seven CCGs)
• Pagasa Island - nine vessels (five PLANs, four CCGs)

"These figures reflect continued illegal CCP presence in areas wherein the Philippines exercises sovereignty, jurisdiction, and sovereignty rights," Trinidad said.

"In line with the national policy, the AFP remains committed to safeguarding national territory, sovereignty, and sovereign rights, while upholding international law and contributing to regional police and stability," he added.

Tensions continue as Beijing claims almost all of the South China Sea, a conduit for more than $3 trillion of annual shipborne commerce, including parts claimed by the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei.

Parts of the South China Sea that fall within Philippine territory have been renamed by the government as West Philippine Sea to reinforce the country’s claim.

The West Philippine Sea refers to the maritime areas on the western side of the Philippine archipelago including Luzon Sea and the waters around, within and adjacent to the Kalayaan Island Group and Bajo de Masinloc.

In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague ruled in favor of the Philippines over China's claims in the South China Sea, saying that it had "no legal basis."

China has refused to recognize the decision. —AOL, GMA Integrated News