By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora | Philippine News Agency
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Tuesday afternoon criticized China over its latest “unlawful interference” with routine Philippine operations in the Bajo de Masinloc, also known as the Scarborough Shoal, resulting in the collision of its own vessels on Monday.
DFA Spokesperson Angelica Escalano said the dangerous maneuvers conducted by the ships— People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) ship 164 and the China Coast Guard (CCG) ship 3104— posed grave danger to both Philippine personnel and vessels.
“The Department is seriously concerned by the dangerous maneuvers of two vessels of the PLAN and the CCG, and their unlawful interference with a routine humanitarian operation for Filipino fisherfolk in and around the territorial sea of Bajo de Masinloc, which is a longstanding and integral part of Philippine territory,” she said.
“Their actions not only posed a grave danger to Philippine personnel and vessels, but also resulted in the unfortunate collision between the two Chinese vessels.”
The Philippine government, she said, is ready to work with China to “draw lessons” from the latest incident.
Before this, Escalano said Manila has repeatedly emphasized the importance of maritime safety in the area, including adhering to the 1972 International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS) and the 1974 Safety of Life at Sea Convention (SOLAS).
Manila, she said, is keen on utilizing diplomacy and dialogue to address differences and produce positive outcomes, in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to manage the situation in the West Philippine Sea constructively and settle disputes peacefully.
“As we continue to maintain our presence in the West Philippine Sea, the Philippines will unstintingly assert and protect its sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction in accordance with international law,” she said.
The latest incident took place off the Bajo de Masinloc on Monday morning, while the CCG vessel was chasing BRP Suluan at high speed.
Visibly suffering from significant damage after the collision, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) immediately offered assistance, including medical aid and the towing of the damaged ship out of the area.
The DFA, for its part, praised the PCG for its “calm professionalism and world-class seamanship.”
