Philippine civilian resupply vessel tailed by Chinese coast guard; military monitors and escorts
A Philippine civilian group's resupply vessel for residents of Thitu Island was reportedly tailed by a Chinese coast guard ship, raising concerns about navigation safety. The Philippine military affirmed the importance of the civilian operation and stated it would escort the group through maritime monitoring and coordination.
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- 📰 Published: May 1, 2026 at 12:18
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Central News Agency
(Central News Agency reporter Lin Hang-chien, Manila, 1st) The "Atin Ito" (This is Ours) alliance, a Philippine South China Sea advocacy group, reported that its vessel providing supplies to residents of Thitu Island was tailed by a Chinese coast guard ship, raising external concerns about navigation safety. The Philippine military stated that it would escort the civilian group through maritime monitoring and coordination.
"Atin Ito" stated that at approximately 7:20 AM today, the civilian vessel "Kapitan Felix Oca," carrying volunteers, discovered Chinese coast guard ship 3103 following it when sailing about 90 nautical miles from Manila, with a distance of about 3.2 nautical miles between them.
In January last year, the Philippine Coast Guard accused Chinese coast guard ship 3103 of using a "Long Range Acoustic Device (LRAD)" to harass it within the Philippine exclusive economic zone.
On the other hand, the Philippine military issued a statement affirming the importance of this civilian operation and pledging support to ensure the safety of those on board.
Philippine Navy spokesperson for South China Sea affairs, Roy Vincent Trinidad, issued a statement saying that the civilian group's actions demonstrate the spirit of unity of the Filipino people and their determination to exercise maritime rights in the "West Philippine Sea."
The "West Philippine Sea" is the official name used by the Philippines for the areas it claims in the South China Sea, which includes an exclusive economic zone extending 200 nautical miles west from its territorial sea baseline. Taiwan is also located in related areas of the South China Sea, and China and other claimants also assert sovereignty over Thitu Island.
Trinidad emphasized that despite this being a civilian-led operation, the military will still ensure navigation safety through maritime monitoring and coordination. "Their actions once again prove that the West Philippine Sea is an inseparable part of the Philippines, and we call for a rules-based order where citizens can live and work freely, without intimidation."
"Atin Ito" launched its annual South China Sea sovereignty assertion operation from Manila yesterday, with about 200 volunteers, fishermen representatives, singers, and media reporters accompanying them. They are scheduled to arrive at Thitu Island tomorrow to provide fuel and food to residents and fishermen on the island and hold a concert.
As a highlight of the trip, congressmen and volunteers will ride jet skis and wave Philippine flags in the waters around Thitu Island.
During last year's Thitu Island resupply mission, the "Kapitan Felix Oca" was also tailed by two Chinese coast guard ships, but no conflict occurred. (Editor: Chen Cheng-kung) 1150501
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(Central News Agency reporter Lin Hang-chien, Manila, 1st) The "Atin Ito" (This is Ours) alliance, a Philippine South China Sea advocacy group, reported that its vessel providing supplies to residents of Thitu Island was tailed by a Chinese coast guard ship, raising external concerns about navigation safety. The Philippine military stated that it would escort the civilian group through maritime monitoring and coordination.
"Atin Ito" stated that at approximately 7:20 AM today, the civilian vessel "Kapitan Felix Oca," carrying volunteers, discovered Chinese coast guard ship 3103 following it when sailing about 90 nautical miles from Manila, with a distance of about 3.2 nautical miles between them.
In January last year, the Philippine Coast Guard accused Chinese coast guard ship 3103 of using a "Long Range Acoustic Device (LRAD)" to harass it within the Philippine exclusive economic zone.
On the other hand, the Philippine military issued a statement affirming the importance of this civilian operation and pledging support to ensure the safety of those on board.
Philippine Navy spokesperson for South China Sea affairs, Roy Vincent Trinidad, issued a statement saying that the civilian group's actions demonstrate the spirit of unity of the Filipino people and their determination to exercise maritime rights in the "West Philippine Sea."
The "West Philippine Sea" is the official name used by the Philippines for the areas it claims in the South China Sea, which includes an exclusive economic zone extending 200 nautical miles west from its territorial sea baseline. Taiwan is also located in related areas of the South China Sea, and China and other claimants also assert sovereignty over Thitu Island.
Trinidad emphasized that despite this being a civilian-led operation, the military will still ensure navigation safety through maritime monitoring and coordination. "Their actions once again prove that the West Philippine Sea is an inseparable part of the Philippines, and we call for a rules-based order where citizens can live and work freely, without intimidation."
"Atin Ito" launched its annual South China Sea sovereignty assertion operation from Manila yesterday, with about 200 volunteers, fishermen representatives, singers, and media reporters accompanying them. They are scheduled to arrive at Thitu Island tomorrow to provide fuel and food to residents and fishermen on the island and hold a concert.
As a highlight of the trip, congressmen and volunteers will ride jet skis and wave Philippine flags in the waters around Thitu Island.
During last year's Thitu Island resupply mission, the "Kapitan Felix Oca" was also tailed by two Chinese coast guard ships, but no conflict occurred. (Editor: Chen Cheng-kung) 1150501
Choose to stand with facts, every sponsorship you make is the power to protect press freedom.
Download the Central News Agency "First-hand News" APP to stay updated with the latest news.
The text, images, and videos on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, or publicly transmitted and used without authorization.