The Philippine Coast Guard says one of its ships that patrolled a contested area in the South China Sea has returned to its homeport after a five-month deployment.

The ship, which the Philippines acquired from Japan, collided with a Chinese Coast Guard vessel at Sabina Shoal in the Spratly Islands late last month.

The area has emerged as a flashpoint in the ongoing maritime dispute between China and the Philippines.

The Philippine government dispatched the ship in April to monitor what it suspects is Chinese reclamation work in the area.

The Philippine Coast Guard says the ship's return was necessary to meet the medical needs of its crew and to fix damage. It says the vessel will resume its mission after it has been resupplied and repaired.

Sabina Shoal is situated within the Philippines' Exclusive Economic Zone. China also claims the shoal and has demanded that Manila withdraw its patrol vessels.

China's coast guard issued a statement from a spokesperson saying it will continue to firmly protect the country's territorial sovereignty and maritime interests.