MANILA — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) monitored 26 Chinese naval and coast guard vessels in four key features of the West Philippine Sea (WPS) from July 21 to 26, an official said Tuesday.

In a statement, AFP spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, Navy reservist Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, said the vessels from the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) and the China Coast Guard (CCG) were monitored in Ayungin Shoal, Bajo de Masinloc, Escoda Shoal, and the Pag-asa Islands.

According to the AFP, seven China Coast Guard vessels and two PLAN ships were monitored in Ayungin Shoal, while 13 CCG vessels were spotted in Bajo de Masinloc.

One CCG vessel was also monitored in Escoda Shoal, while one CCG vessel and two PLAN ships were detected near the Pag-asa Islands.

The latest monitoring recorded 26 Chinese vessels, slightly higher than the 24 monitored by the AFP during the July 7 to 13 monitoring period.

Trinidad said the AFP’s monitoring operations are part of its maritime domain awareness efforts aimed at detecting, identifying, and assessing vessels operating within Philippine waters.

“Through sustained vigilance and operational presence, the PN continues to reinforce national sovereignty, sovereign rights, and contribute to the safety, security, and stability of the maritime environment,” he said.