Philippine Navy said a total of 24 Chinese vessels were seen in Ayungin Shoal ahead of a possible rotation and resupply mission to the Philippine Navy’s BRP Sierra Madre.

Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, Philippine Navy spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea (WPS) said four China Coast Guard (CCG) ships and 20 Chinese maritime militia vessels were spotted in the area Thursday.

“I could give the latest on Ayungin Shoal. same number, 20 ‘yung ating maritime militia monitored and four Coast Guard ships,” Trinidad said.

“These have been the numbers for the past four, maybe five days. Before that, I mentioned that four na maritime militia lang and two Coast Guard vessels because most likely on account of the unfavorable weather condition,” he added.

The Philippine Navy usually conducts resupply missions to BRP Sierra Madre monthly.

However, Trinidad said the latest resupply mission to the Philippine ship grounded in Ayungin Shoal was last July.

Trinidad refused to disclose the details of the next resupply mission to BRP Sierra Madre but he stressed that the Philippine Navy will not neglect the needs of the Filipino crew.

“The details of the next RORE are at the level of the commander of the Western Command,” he added.

In August, China’s Ministry of National Defense warned the Philippines of “consequences” over Manila’s alleged hyping up of incidents, provocations, and infringements in Ayungin Shoal.