A lawmaker on Tuesday showed to members of the media photos of several Chinese vessels he claimed were seen near Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea.

Magdalo party-list Representative Gary Alejano showed to reporters five vessels that surrounded the island from August 14 to 15.

Alejano, at a press conference on Tuesday, said the vessels China has deployed include two frigates, one Coast Guard vessel and two large fishing vessels with their maritime militia.

Alejano also provided the media of the timeline of the arrival of the said vessels, which began as early as August 11.

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Alejano said the incident was "highly suspicious and threatening," as he said that China is known for "[saying] one thing in public and [doing] another on the ground."

"I call on the Philippine government officials to be transparent in what is happening in West Philippine Sea. We must assert our rights in the midst of talks with China," he said.

Both the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Armed Forces of the Philippines have yet to confirm Alejano's statements. —Erwin Colcol/LBG, GMA News