West Philippine Sea: Calm Wednesday Amidst Continued Chinese Presence (November 27, 2024)

Baybay City, Philippines – The situation in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) remained relatively calm on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, from 6:01 AM to 6:00 PM Philippine Time (PHT). No major incidents were reported in the vicinity of Scarborough Shoal, Second Thomas Shoal, or other contested features in the South China Sea.

Weather: According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), moderate to occasionally¹ rough seas prevailed across the WPS throughout the day. Wind speeds ranged from 15 to 20 knots, with occasional gusts reaching up to 25 knots.

Chinese Activity: While no official reports detail specific vessel movements, social media posts from Filipino netizens indicated continued sightings of Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) vessels in the vicinity of the contested features. Independent observers on Twitter, citing imagery from commercial satellite operators, reported the presence of several CCG ships near Scarborough Shoal. However, the specific number and type of vessels could not be independently verified.

Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Operations: There were no official statements from the PCG regarding specific patrols or operations conducted within the WPS on November 27. However, PCG routinely conducts maritime security patrols, search and rescue operations, and law enforcement activities in the Philippines’ territorial waters.

Government Response: The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has not issued any official statements regarding developments in the WPS as of this report. The Philippine government maintains a consistent position of upholding its rights and interests in the West Philippine Sea, as enshrined in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Looking Ahead: While the situation in the WPS remains calm today, tensions are likely to persist due to the continued presence of Chinese vessels in the region. Continued monitoring and vigilance are crucial to ensure the safety and security of Filipino fishermen and the peaceful resolution of disputes in the West Philippine Sea.

Sources:

• Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA)
• Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) website
• Twitter posts from credible observers (cross-referenced with available satellite imagery)

Note: This report is based on information available as of November 27, 2024, 6:53 PST. WPS.News will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they become available.