The civilian vessel of Atin Ito Coalition is still being shadowed by a Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) vessel on Thursday, as it heads back to Manila after their third mission within Pag-asa island in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

As of 6pm, CCG 21549 remains at 4.33 nautical miles away from T/S Kapitan Felix Oca.

To recall, the civilian vessel was tailed by CCG 3306 and CCG 21549 on Tuesday morning around 40 nautical miles away off the coast of El Nido, Palawan as it heads to the vicinity of Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea. A radio challenge was exchanged once between the two countries.

T/S Kapitan Felix Oca, which is carrying around 200 individuals composed of Atin Ito members, volunteers, local and foreign artists, cadets, and members of the media is expected to arrive in Manila around 6 pm on Friday.

As of press time, the civilian vessel is escorted by Philippine Coast Guard BRP Melchora Aquino until around 1 pm.

In a statement, Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, Navy spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, said the "Philippine Navy and the Armed Forces of the Philippines reaffirms its full support for the successful completion of the “Atin Ito” civilian mission to Pag-asa Island".

"It continues to monitor developments in the area, noting the routine presence of Chinese Coast Guard and maritime militia vessels, but with no indication of imminent aggression or escalation", it added. Marie Manalili/DMS