The Armed Forces of the Philippines' Western Command disclosed on Friday that it is already taking action following the "swarming" of Chinese vessels in the West Philippine Sea.
Authorities confirmed that the vessels, mostly fishing boats, have been seen edging closer to the province of Palawan.
AFP spokesperson Col. Medel Aguilar said the country's security forces are now taking actions against the monitored "continuing and repeated violations" by the Chinese vessels — including diplomatic protest.
"Your AFP, through the Western Command in Palawan, continues to abide by our Constitutional duty to protect and defend our sovereignty and territorial integrity through maritime patrols in the West Philippine Sea," Aguilar said.
"We have monitored and continuing and repeated violations against the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) by foreign vessels and these are being reported to and acted upon the concerned agencies," he added.
Philippine Navy Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos earlier said the Chinese vessel is usually near the occupied features in the WPS.