By PNA and U.S. News Agency / Asian

Only two Chinese fishing vessels are left near Pagasa Island, the largest geographical fixture being claimed by the Philippines in the Spratlys Island Group.

Lt. Col. Neil Estrella, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Western Command spokesperson, said that even these two ships are showing signs that they were preparing to leave for Hainan as their 18 sister vessels and escorts had done.

He also said they would monitor the situation and do everything they could to prevent the Chinese ships from encroaching too near the country’s territorial waters.

Pagasa is around 240 nautical miles away from Puerto Princesa, Palawan.

Earlier reports said that the ships are between five to 12 nautical miles away from Pagasa.