A Ma’anshan Jiangkai II-class frigate of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy with bow number 525 was observed during a maritime patrol by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) near Panata Island in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) on Friday, June 6.
The PLA Navy vessel was detected approximately 4.6 nautical miles from the Philippine Navy’s BRP Andres Bonifacio (PS17) at around 7:40 a.m.
In response, the Philippine-flagged vessel issued a radio challenge to the Chinese warship. The vessel replied after 13-minute delay.
Meanwhile, the same Navy asset established direct communications with the Parola Islands detachment to synchronize updates, assess operational conditions, and express support for the troops deployed in this remote military outpost on Wednesday, June 4.
The activity served to maintain clear situational awareness and ensure coordinated maritime security efforts in the area.
The military also visited Likas Island, one of the Philippine-occupied features in WPS on Thursday, June 5, as part of its continuing efforts to assert sovereign rights and demonstrate enduring presence in the area.
The trip to Likas Island featured a ship-to-shore operation, direct engagements with deployed personnel, and interviews with troops on the ground.
Beyond their operational function, these activities served to reaffirm the AFP’s support for its frontline units, boost troop morale, and demonstrate the Philippines’ sustained and visible presence in the area.
Likas is one of the Philippine-occupied features in the WPS and plays a key role in maintaining maritime situational awareness and supporting national defense objectives in the region.
The patrol is one of a series of maritime operations being conducted from June 4 to June 7 to reinforce the country’s sovereign rights over its maritime domains in the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG).
These operations are part of the AFP’s commitment to maintaining a credible defense posture in the region, according to the Philippine military.
“The AFP’s sustained presence in the KIG reaffirms the Philippines’ commitment to peace, regional stability, and a rules-based international order, assuring Filipinos of its continued vigilance in safeguarding the nation’s maritime interests,” the AFP said.
