MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Saturday deployed two of its vessels to conduct maritime patrols in the immediate vicinity of Julian Felipe Reef, where more than 135 Chinese maritime militia (CMM) vessels have reportedly been seen swarming.

In a statement, PCG-West Philippine Sea spokesman Commodore Jay Tarriela said yesterday that Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, Coast Guard

commandant, ordered the deployment of two of their multi-role response vessels (MRRVs), the BRP Sindangan and BRP Cabra after learning about the presence of CMMs around the area of Julian Felipe (Whitsun) Reef.