PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan — The Christmas convoy, which departed early today from El Nido towards the West Philippine Sea, has aborted its planned trip and is now returning to the harbor.

Atin Ito, the civil society organization behind the expedition, announced in a statement that the decision to halt the journey was made after consulting with the Philippine Coast Guard and due to persistent tracking by four Chinese ships, including two Chinese Navy ships, a Chinese Coast Guard vessel, and a Chinese cargo ship.

Atin Ito's main vessel began being followed by the Chinese ships at 3:40 p.m., south of Kayumanggi Bank.

Atin Ito plans to issue a more comprehensive statement as soon as they arrive in El Nido tomorrow.