The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) held another maritime domain awareness flight (MDA) over the West Philippine Sea (WPS) on Thursday, Feb. 20, flying over the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG) this time, days after a Chinese military chopper harassed them in Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough or Panatag Shoal).
The aerial patrol was executed using two BFAR aircraft which departed from Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, according to Commodore Jay Tarriela, PCG spokesperson for WPS.
Tarriela said the aerial patrol was a “response” to the aggressive maneuvers conducted by a People’s Liberation Army – Navy (PLA-N) helicopter to a BFAR plane during an MDA flight in Bajo de Masinloc last Feb. 18.
“The mission aimed to assert the Philippines’ sovereignty, sovereign rights, and maritime jurisdiction in the West Philippine Sea,” Tarriela said.
During the flight, the BFAR and PCG observed six Chinese maritime militia vessels “illegally” present in Rozul (Iroquois) Reef.
In Pag-asa (Thitu) Island, the PCG and BFAR spotted China Coast Guard ship with bow number “5101” and more than 50 maritime militia vessels.
Throughout the flight, the PCG said that the BFAR aircraft consistently challenged the illegal presence of Chinese maritime forces it encountered.
“Undeterred by provocations from the People's Republic of China, BFAR and PCG remain resolute in maintaining our presence in the West Philippine Sea and confronting the illegal activities of foreign vessels,” Tarriela said.
“BFAR and PCG reaffirm our unwavering commitment to upholding the Philippines’ sovereignty and ensuring the safety and security of the nation’s maritime domain, despite the unprofessional and dangerous behavior exhibited by Chinese maritime forces,” he added.