The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) raised serious concerns over the latest unlawful interference by two Chinese vessels during a humanitarian operation for Filipino fisherfolk by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) near Bajo de Masinloc that resulted in a collision between the two foreign ships.
In the statement on Tuesday, August 12, the DFA said that the unfortunate crash of China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel 3104 into a People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) warship 164 while chasing the BRP Suluan (MRRV 4406) of the PCG “posed a grave danger” to all maritime personnel involved.
“[T]he Philippines without hesitation offered medical aid and other relevant support to the Chinese side, including towing the damaged China Coast Guard vessel out of the area to ensure the safety of navigation for other vessels,” the DFA said.
The statement also highlighted the importance of adhering to international maritime rules, such as the 1974 International Convention on the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and the International Convention on the Safety of Life at Sea (COLREGS).
“The Philippines remains keen in utilizing diplomacy and dialogue to address differences and produce positive outcomes, in line with the President’s instruction to manage the situation in the West Philippine Sea constructively and settle disputes peacefully,” the DFA noted.
The department likewise commended the BRP Suluan crew, who stayed calm and professional despite the incident, exhibiting “world-class seamanship” while remaining “steadfast in enforcing the country’s rights and entitlements in all its maritime zones.”
“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,” the DFA added.
Bajo de Masinloc, also known as Scarborough Shoal, lies within the 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone of the West Philippine Sea. China claims the entirety of the South China Sea despite a 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration, invalidating its assertion in the disputed waters.
