Archive · 10 Oct 2026
Philippines Condemns Chinese Vessel Intrusion Near Kota Island
The Philippines says a Chinese militia ship and 22 small boats entered waters near Kota Island on October 9, 2026.
The Philippine task force says the boats fished without permission and may have dumped waste.
It also said one boat came very close to the island.
Philippine personnel went to address the situation, and the task force says the larger ship moved around their boats and claimed the area belonged to China.
The Philippines says Kota Island and its nearby waters belong to the Philippines.
It says the boats left after Philippine forces responded.
The task force noted that the same militia vessel had been near the island before, with 24 sampans on September 28.
It says it will continue supporting agencies protecting Philippine territory and maritime rights.
The Philippines’ National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea condemned the entry of Chinese Maritime Militia Vessel 9622 and 22 sampans into Kota Island’s territorial sea on October 9, 2026.
The task force said the vessels engaged in unauthorized fishing and reportedly dumped waste; one sampan came within 250 metres of the island’s shore.
According to the task force, the mothership encircled Philippine boats and its master claimed the area as Chinese territory while directing the Philippine team to leave.
The Philippines said the island and its territorial sea are under Philippine sovereignty and that China’s claim has no basis under international law.
The task force said Philippine Coast Guard, Marine Corps and Navy personnel coordinated in responding, after which all Chinese vessels departed.
- Who
- The Philippines’ National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea reported the incident involving Chinese Maritime Militia Vessel 9622 and 22 sampans.
- What
- The task force condemned their entry into Kota Island’s territorial sea and reported unauthorized fishing and waste dumping.
- When
- October 9, 2026.
- Where
- The territorial sea of Kota Island in the West Philippine Sea, Philippines.
- Why
- The task force said the vessels intruded into Philippine waters and that China’s claim over the area has no basis under international law.
Philippine position
Chinese position reported by the Philippines
Sovereignty over Kota Island waters
Philippine position
The task force says Kota Island is part of the Municipality of Kalayaan in Palawan and its territorial sea is under Philippine sovereignty; it says China’s claim has no basis under international law.
Chinese position reported by the Philippines
According to the task force, the Chinese vessel’s master claimed the area as Chinese territory and directed the Philippine team to leave.
- Chinese vessel
- Chinese Maritime Militia Vessel 9622
- Sampans involved
- 22
- Incident date
- October 9, 2026
- Closest reported approach
- One sampan came within 250 metres of Kota Island’s shoreline.
- Philippine agencies involved
- Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Marine Corps and Philippine Navy
- Earlier reported deployment
- The same vessel reportedly deployed 24 sampans near the island on September 28, 2026.
- Outcome
- The task force said all Chinese vessels departed the island’s territorial sea.