Threats in Bajo de Masinloc ‘serious’ but PH won’t back down - Palace

Metro Manila, Philippines - Threats faced by Philippine authorities when two Chinese vessels collided in Bajo de Masinloc collision are “serious,” but the Philippines will continue its maritime defense and aid to fishermen, Malacañang said Tuesday, Aug. 12.

"Kahit na anong klase na maaari masabi nating pangha-harass eh, seryoso iyon, dahil buhay din po ang nakataya rito," Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said in a place briefing.

[Translation: Any form of what we can call harassment is serious, because lives are at stake.]

She said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered a continuing defense of the country’s rights in the West Philippine Sea without engaging in aggression.

"Hindi po nga aatras ang pangulo, hindi po tayo magiging agresibo, dedepensa lamang po tayo… tuloy-tuloy pa rin po iyon," she said.

[Translation: The president will not back down, we will not be aggressive, we will only defend… and our assistance will continue.]

A China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel with bow number 3104 chased the BRP Suluan “at high speed” when it collided with a People’s Liberation Army-Navy (PLAN) warship with bow number 154.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said the collision happened during a risky maneuver from the PCG vessel’s starboard quarter, causing substantial damage to the CCG vessel’s forecastle and rendering it unseaworthy.

PCG spokesperson Jay Tarriela added that the Philippine side offered to assist in rescuing any Chinese sailors who may have been thrown overboard, but the offer was ignored.

Castro said the incident showed Marcos’ leadership in balancing firm defense with humanitarian values.

"Makikita ninyo kung papaano ba mamuno ang ating pangulo… kahit na pakiramdam natin ay tayo iyong naha-harass pero makakatulong pa rin ang mga Pilipino sa oras ng kagipitan," she said.

[Translation: You can see how our president leads… even if we feel harassed, Filipinos will still help in times of crisis.]

She said the country will maintain its stance of defending territorial rights and supporting fishermen in the West Philippine Sea.

"Sa lahat ng laban ay hindi tayo aatras dahil ang mga Pilipino ay matatapang," she said.

[Translation: We will not back down in conflicts because Filipinos are brave.]

The Department of Foreign Affairs said it is preparing a response to Beijing’s claim that Manila is infringing on China’s sovereignty over Scarborough Shoal.

Castro noted that the 2016 arbitral ruling already affirmed Philippine rights in the area.