Amid the anticipated possibility of “more aggressive” approach by the Chinese government after its two ships collided near Bajo de Masinloc, National Security Adviser Eduardo Año said the Philippine government will continue to respond in a calm manner in asserting its rights and sovereignty over the West Philippine Sea.

Año stressed that there will be no policy and security adjustments in dealing with the harassment and other dangerous maneuvering of Chinese vessels against Philippine vessels.

“We treat the area as a law enforcement function of the Philippine Coast Guard and the BFAR (Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources). They (PCG and BFAR) will continue to do their mandate, especially in protecting and supporting our fishermen and in conducting law enforcement functions within our internal waters and maritime waters,” said Año. 

“Our Armed Forces are ready to support our law enforcement agencies if needed. But there is no change of strategy… we remain calm,” he added. 

Despite the apprehensions on a change of strategy on the part of China, Año said they do not see any incident that will trigger military intervention.

“We have diplomatic efforts, we also have a bilateral consultation mechanism. These should be the primary means to resolve differences. We will not initiate any action that will escalate the situation, although we are ready to defend our country when the time comes,” said Año.

Earlier, A Chinese Navy and Chinese Coast Guard vessels collided near the Bajo de Masinloc while chasing a small Philippine Coast Guard vessel. The incident resulted in the serious damage in both vessels.

There were reports that there were some Chinese Coast Guard personnel who were hurt by the incident but there is no official confirmation so far.

For Año, what happened only disclosed the plan of the two Chinese vessels to ram the PCG vessel—and the worst part is that the harassment was supposed to be done within the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone. 

“Thanks to the seamanship and skillful maneuvering of the skipper of the PCG’s BRP Suluan as this prevented an accident involving them,” said Año.

“Although unfortunately also, we learned there were casualties on the other side. So this is really very unfortunate,” he added.