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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DFA 'seriously concerned' over Chinese ships at Scarborough Shoal, asserts PH sovereignty

DFA 'seriously concerned' over Chinese ships at Scarborough Shoal, asserts PH sovereignty

Published Aug 12, 2025 03:05 pm
The Philippines will continue to defend and assert its rights and jurisdiction in the Scarborough (Panatag) Shoal despite insistent claims of territorial rights by China, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said on Tuesday, Aug. 12.

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. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Coast Guard)
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. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Coast Guard)
In a statement on the Aug. 11 incident at the Scarborough Shoal, which the Philippines also calls Bajo de Masinloc, the DFA said it was “seriously concerned by the dangerous maneuvers” of the vessels of the People’s Liberation Army-Navy and the China Coast Guard (CCG).

It was also alarmed by “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.”

“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 stressed.

The interference of the CCG and PLA-Navy vessels on a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) ship resulted in the “unfortunate collision” between the two Chinese vessels.

“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.

The Aug. 11 incident, however, showed the importance of adhering to international maritime rules—the 1972 International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS) and the 1974 Safety of Life at Sea Convention (SOLAS)—as the Philippines “repeatedly emphasized the importance of maritime safety, and is prepared to work with relevant parties to draw lessons from this incident.”

The DFA further maintained the Philippines’ position in addressing differences through diplomacy and dialogue in line with President Marcos’ instruction to manage the West Philippine Sea conflict “constructively and settle disputes peacefully.”

“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,” the statement added.

On Monday, PCG vessel BRP Suluan (MRV 4406), which was among the vessels deployed there for a mission for Filipino fishermen, evaded a water cannon attack by a CCG ship.

PCG spokesperson for West Philippine Sea Affairs Commodore Jay Tarriela described the encounter as “hazardous maneuvers and blocking actions” by the “other vessels in the vicinity.”

Related Tags

China Coast Guard Scarborough Shoal DFA PH sovereignty
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