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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider What expulsion? AFP says Navy ship completed patrol mission in disputed atoll

What expulsion? AFP says Navy ship completed patrol mission in disputed atoll

Published Apr 22, 2025 03:00 am

Contrary to a report published by the Chinese Navy, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said Philippine Navy (PN) ship BRP Apolinario Mabini (PS-36) completed its maritime patrol operation in the vicinity of Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough or Panatag Shoal) in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) over the weekend.

In a statement Monday night, April 21, AFP public affairs office chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad said the patrol operation was made in accordance with the Philippine Constitution and Republic Act 12064 or the Philippine Maritime Zones Act.

He said it was also consistent with international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and the 2016 arbitral award invalidating China’s claims in the South China Sea including parts of the WPS.

“The vessel traveled on its planned route and completed its mission,” Trinidad confirmed.

The official said that Bajo de Masinloc, located 124 nautical miles from Masinloc, Zambales, remains “an integral part of the Philippine national territory under the Constitution.”

“The Philippines exercises sovereignty over the shoal and its territorial sea. The Philippines also has sovereign rights and jurisdiction in the waters adjacent to the shoal, which form part of the Philippine EEZ,” Trinidad noted.

Although it is located within the 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the Philippines, Bajo de Masinloc has been tightly guarded by Chinese maritime forces including navy, coast guard, and maritime militia vessels following a tense standoff at the disputed atoll in 2012. 

The Chinese Navy said it expelled BRP Apolinario Mabini after allegedly intruding into the territorial waters of Huangyan Dao, the Chinese name it calls Bajo de Masinloc, last April 20.

The Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Southern Theater Command “tracked, monitored, and warned off” the PN corvette, and warned the Philippine government “to immediately cease infringement and provocation.”

“Otherwise, all consequences arising therefrom will be borne by the Philippine side,” said Senior Captain Zhao Zhiwei, spokesperson for the Chinese PLA Southern Theater Command.

Rear Adm. Roy Vincent Trinidad, PN spokesperson for WPS, dismissed the Chinese Navy's remarks and categorized it as part of a malign information strategy to shape the opinions of its internal audience.

“Only the Philippine Navy and other Philippine flagged law enforcement ships have the authority and legal bases to challenge any ship within maritime zones,” he stressed.

Related Tags

Armed Forces of the Philippines Philippine Navy BRP Apolinario Mabini PH-China
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