MANILA, Feb. 3 -- Guided-missile frigate, BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150), is keeping close watch on three China's People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) vessels spotted off Bajo de Masinloc in the West Philippine Sea on Monday, the Naval Forces Northern Luzon (NFNL) said.

In a statement, NFNL said the Filipino ship was conducting "regular maritime and sovereignty patrol" when it monitored the presence of three PLAN ships in the area.

This mission was ordered by the Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom).

"While conducting patrols at approximately 57 nautical miles southeast of Bajo de Masinloc, BRP Jose Rizal warned off and issued consecutive radio challenges to three China's PLAN ships spotted in the area. One of the said PLAN (ships) is a guided mis...