SUMMARY
MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) monitored at least 46 Chinese vessels in the “vicinity area” of Panatag Shoal or Bajo de Masinloc on Thursday, May 16, as a civilian mission aboard wooden fishing vessels tried to sail closer to the shoal.
According a situation report from the PCG that was shared to the media, the 46 are made up of eight China Coast Guard (CCG) ships and 38 “alleged” Chinese Maritime Militia (CMM) vessels. One CCG ship, with bow number 4203, was still following the convoy, according to the PCG, which deployed its BRP Bagacay to help secure the civilian coalition.
As of 9 am, the Bagacay and the four fishing vessels of the Atin Ito coalition was around 58 nautical miles away from Panatag Shoal. The shoal, deemed the common fishing ground …