Philippine Coast Guard monitors 12 Chinese vessels near Bajo de Masinloc

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported monitoring 12 Chinese vessels near Bajo de Masinloc during a routine patrol on Thursday. This included two China Coast Guard ships and seven Chinese Maritime Militia vessels, with aerial surveillance confirming their positions. During the operation, PCG vessels distributed food and groceries to about 40 Filipino fishermen in the area. The PCG did not indicate any harassment of fishermen by the Chinese vessels during this patrol. This development follows previous reports of harassment by Chinese vessels against Philippine patrols in the same region. The situation reflects ongoing tensions over territorial claims in the West Philippine Sea.