DFA 'seriously concerned' over dangerous Chinese maneuvers off Bajo de Masinloc

The Department of Foreign Affairs said Tuesday it is "seriously concerned" over "dangerous" maneuvers by China against Philippine ships off Scarborough Shoal which also resulted to a collision between two Chinese vessels.

Manila decried China's use of force against the Philippine vessels near the shoal, locally known as Bajo de Masinloc or Panatag Shoal, a U-shaped rocky outcrop teeming with marine resources in the West Philippine Sea 124 nautical miles off Masinloc, Zambales.

The shoal, according to the DFA, is "a longstanding and integral part of Philippine territory."

"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 DFA said in a statement.

Monday's incident, the DFA said, highlights the need for all seafaring nations to adhere to international maritime rules such as the 1972 International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS) and the 1974 Safety of Life at Sea Convention (SOLAS).

"The Department is seriously concerned by the dangerous maneuvers of two vessels of the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) and the China Coast Guard (CCG), and their unlawful interference with a routine humanitarian operation for Filipino fisherfolk in and around the territorial sea of Bajo de Masinloc."

The shoal came under Chinese control after a 2012 standoff with the Philippines, but the DFA said the country will "continue to maintain our presence in the West Philippine Sea" and "will unstintingly assert and protect its sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction in accordance with international law."

The PCG and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources were distributing aid to local fishermen off the shoal Monday when Chinese vessels blasted water cannon and performed dangerous maneuvers against the Philippine government crew.

While trying to drive away the Philippine ships, a PLA vessel rammed into a Chinese Coast Guard ship, a video taken by the PCG showed.

"Conscious of its obligations to render assistance in times of distress at sea and its mandate under its jurisdiction, the 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.

Beijing did not mention the collision in its statement after the incident, but instead accused the Philippines of provocative actions and stirring trouble in the waters.

The DFA did not say if a diplomatic protest was filed against China, but stressed the Philippines is "prepared to work with relevant parties to draw lessons from this incident."

"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 said.

"Likewise, the Department would like to commend the calm professionalism and world-class seamanship of the men and women of the PCG, which remains steadfast in enforcing the country’s rights and entitlements in all its maritime zones." — RSJ, GMA Integrated News