Marcos concerned over near-collision incidents in West PH Sea

Metro Manila, Philippines - President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has expressed concern over the latest near-collision between a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessel and a Chinese Coast Guard ship in waters off Zambales.

In a press briefing on Tuesday, April 8, Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said the president had been informed about the incident in the West Philippine Sea.

"Of course, concern po ang ating pangulo sa mga nangyayari. Pero mini-maintain pa rin po natin iyong level of professionalism na may kasama pong fearless spirit of patriotism," said Castro.

[Translation: The president is concerned about the incidents. But we maintain a level of professionalism coupled with a fearless spirit of patriotism.]

In a separate message to NewsWatch Plus, National Maritime Council spokesperson Alex Lopez said China’s dangerous maneuvers and its attempt to ram a Philippine vessel will be part of the council’s upcoming discussions.

"Such dangerous maneuvers merit filing of the diplomatic protest and it will be the purview of the DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs)," said Lopez.

Over the weekend, the PCG reported that its patrol ship BRP Cabra was shadowed and blocked by China Coast Guard vessel 3302 (CCG 3302) despite continuous radio communications.

"The China Coast Guard vessel 3302 has engaged in reckless and dangerous maneuvers, displaying a blatant disregard for safety," the PCG said.

The agency also reported that there was an attempted head-on collision involving a smaller coast guard vessel.

"An attempted head-on collision with the smaller PCG vessel, raising concerns about the China Coast Guard's adherence to the Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972 (COLREGs), of which they are a signatory. It is only through the seamanship skills and professionalism of the crew of BRP Cabra that such a collision was narrowly averted," the statement added.

Despite the incident, the PCG said BRP Cabra fended off the Chinese vessel, which as of Sunday was located approximately 92 to 96 nautical miles off Capones Island in Zambales.

"This demonstrates the PCG's commitment to safeguarding Philippine maritime interests and preventing the normalization of unlawful activities by the People’s Republic of China in the West Philippine Sea," the PCG said.

Senator Francis Tolentino condemned the actions of the Chinese Coast Guard near Scarborough Shoal, calling them "reckless and dangerous."

"Not only did this aggressive maneuver endanger the lives of our brave maritime personnel, but also constitutes a blatant violation of international law and the Philippines’ sovereign rights," he said.

"As China continues to undermine our maritime peace and stability, I call on the international partners to hold China accountable for its blatant disregard for the rule of law," he added.