PCG sees more Chinese vessels in Ayungin during ‘Atin Ito’ advocates convoy

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) expects more Chinese vessels in Ayungin Shoal amid plans for a civilian group to visit the West Philippine Sea, according to agency spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela on Wednesday.   

The PCG spokesperson emphasized that the convoy could not go to the BRP Sierra Madre, as past resupply missions to the outpost have shown how dangerous these trips are.   

“Alam naman ng publiko kung gaano kapanganib ito. The Chinese Coast Guard vessels, sigurado talagang magdedeploy talaga sila ng mas maraming barko dito together with the Chinese Maritime Militia. At sa presensya ng Chinese forces na ito, sa palibot ng Ayungin Shoal, ay, there is a high possibility na sasalubungin sila nitong mga Chinese maritime forces na ito,” said Tarriela on the Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon public briefing. 

READ: NSC’s Malaya: 40 civilian ships to join Christmas convoy in West PH Sea

(The public knows how dangerous it is. The Chinese Coast Guard vessels, it is sure that they will deploy more ships together with the Chinese Maritime Militia. With the presence of these Chinese forces around Ayungin Shoal, there is a high possibility that they will be met with these Chinese maritime forces.)      

READ: Gov’t gives go-ahead to Christmas convoy to WPS

The Christmas convoy could pass by the vicinity of Ayungin Shoal, but it cannot be the group’s destination, said Tarriela. 

Tarriela said that the PCG still wants to discuss operational matters with those who will go on the Christmas convo to the West Philippine Sea.