Manila, Aug. 11 -- A number of Chinese warships and coast guard vessels were detected and subjected to radio challenge and monitoring last week off Batanes province, the Philippine Navy (PN) bared on Monday.

In a statement, the PN's Northern Luzon Naval Command (NLNC) said the unauthorized presence of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy and China Coast Guard in the area was monitored on Thursday (Aug. 7, 2025) and Friday (Aug. 8).

"The vessels were detected during ongoing sovereignty and maritime patrol operations conducted by BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150) and BRP Emilio Jacinto (PS-35), both patrol vessels assigned to Naval Task Force 11 of NLNC," the NLNC said.

"Upon detection, the PN warships promptly initiated radio challenge protoco...