Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 11) – The Philippines should not give in to the provocative moves of Chinese vessels lest it be blamed for an escalation of encounters in contested waters, Col. Medel Aguilar, military spokesperson, said in a public briefing on Monday.

“I cannot say for sure kung ano ‘yung intent ng China but these are clearly intimidation and provocation [that] we have to avoid because we don’t want to be blamed kung ano ang mangyari,” he said.

[Translation: I cannot say for sure what is the intent of China but these are cleary intimidation and provocation that we have to avoid, because we don’t want to be blamed for what might happen.]

“Bini-bingwit talaga nila tayo dito sa ginagawa nila. Very clear, they cut across our path na accidents could happen,” he added.

[Translation: They really want us to take the bait with what they are doing. Very clear, they cut across our path where accidents could happen.]

Aguilar said Philippine vessels are feeling the mounting pressure from China because of what he called “illegal offensive actions” in the West Philippine Sea.

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