'Yan na nga ba ang sinasabi namin eh': PCG official urges China to follow maritime rules after WPS collision
The image shows the extent of damage on the upper deck section of China Coast Guard 3104's bow after it collided with People's Liberation Army-Navy (PLA-N) 164 near Bajo de Masinloc in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) on Aug. 11, 2025. (Courtesy of Philippine Coast Guard)
After the collision of two Chinese vessels near Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough or Panatag Shoal) in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) advised China on Monday, Aug. 11, to observe maritime rules to avoid accidents at sea.
PCG spokesperson for WPS Commo. Jay Tarriela told Beijing to respect the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS) and handle maritime encounters “with professionalism,” citing the China Coast Guard’s (CCG) role as an enforcer of maritime laws.
“The Philippine Coast Guard has consistently urged the Chinese government to respect the COLREGS and to approach these matters with professionalism, especially considering their role in enforcing maritime laws,” Tarriela said.
“We have also emphasized that such reckless behavior at sea could ultimately lead to accidents,” he added.
Some netizens criticized China, saying that it seemed to have gotten a taste of its own medicine when a CCG ship with bow number “3104” collided with a Chinese People’s Liberation Army-Navy (PLA-N) warship with tail number “164” while chasing PCG vessel BRP Suluan near Bajo de Masinloc.
Despite the aggression, the PCG extended its thoughts to the crew of the Chinese vessels.
A PCG lady officer onboard BRP Teresa Magbanua issued radio communication and said: "We have medical personnel onboard. Should you need any assistance, we are willing to provide assistance."
However, the crew of CCG-3104 did not respond to the radio communication.
“Our thoughts are with the CCG personnel who may have been injured in this incident,” Tarriela said.
The PCG disclosed that the incident was immediately communicated to the public to avoid suspicion that they are the ones who caused the collision of the two Chinese ships.
The PCG had previously said that there have been numerous records in the past where Chinese vessels would intentionally ram PCG vessels patrolling the WPS, and Chinese state media would justify the incidents as “lawful” and “regular” conduct of law enforcement operations.