Philippines Deploys Coast Guard Vessels To Scarborough Shoal Amid Tensions With China

• Philippines sends coast guard vessels to Scarborough Shoal.
• Mission delivers supplies to Filipino fishermen at the shoal.
• Move amid tensions with China over South China Sea claims.

EKO HOT BLOG reports that the Philippines has deployed three coast guard vessels to ensure the safety of a civilian flotilla sailing to the contested Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea.

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This move comes amid heated stand-offs with China over competing claims.

Led by the group Atin Ito, the three-day mission aims to deliver provisions to fishermen anchored at the shoal.

Around 100 smaller fishing boats will join the initial part of the trip, while five commercial fishing vessels will accompany the coast guard.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) will provide safety and security for the civilian volunteers, with a PCG aircraft monitoring the situation.

Chinese state broadcaster CCTV reported that the Chinese Coast Guard recently held routine drills at the shoal.

Atin Ito led a similar mission in December, but it was cut short due to alleged harassment by Chinese coast guard ships.

China’s embassy in Manila has maintained that China has “indisputable sovereignty” over the South China Sea Islands and adjacent waters.

The Scarborough Shoal, located within Manila’s exclusive economic zone, is coveted for its fish stocks and stunning lagoon.

China seized the shoal in 2012 after a standoff with the Philippines and has since maintained a constant deployment of coast guard and fishing trawlers.

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Rafaela David, a co-convenor of Atin Ito, criticized China’s actions, saying they reveal “a glaring weakness” and a narrative built on fear rather than legitimate authority.

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