PH to China: Collision not our fault, pay for June 17 damages

Metro Manila, Philippines - The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said the Philippines had no responsibility in the recent collision between a Chinese navy vessel and a China Coast Guard (CCG) ship in the disputed waters of Bajo de Masinloc early this week.

The crash happened during what the Philippine Coast Guard described as an attempt to surround a Philippine vessel on a resupply mission to fishermen in the area. The Philippine crew dodged the so-called pincer move, a tactic to overwhelm an enemy.

“The PHL bears no responsibility for the collision between the PLAN (Peoples Liberation Army Navy) vessel and the CCG vessel in Bajo de Masinloc. It was an unfortunate outcome, but not one caused by our actions,” Foreign Affairs Secretary Theresa Lazaro said in a statement to Malacañang.

Bajo de Masinloc, also known as Scarborough Shoal, has been a longstanding flashpoint, with both Manila and Beijing asserting claims on the area.

Chinese state media accused the Philippines of provoking confrontations — a claim that Manila has always rejected.

The DFA reiterated its demand for Beijing to compensate damages from the violent June 17 confrontation in Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal.

On that day, CCG personnel rammed, towed, and even boarded Philippine Navy boats on a resupply mission for the grounded BRP Sierra Madre.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said the attack caused an estimated ₱60 million in damage, destroyed two navy boats, and resulted in one navy personnel losing a finger.

AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. earlier described the act as “looting” after CCG personnel seized seven firearms, as well as other equipment and personal belongings of Filipino sailors.

“The PHL reiterates its demand to CHN for compensation for the damage caused to PHL vessels and equipment on 17 June 2024, as well as the return of its firearms and equipment, and the personal effects of its personnel that were illegally seized on that date,” Lazaro said.

The June 17 encounter prompted Manila to issue a diplomatic protest and raise the matter in the Bilateral Consultation Mechanism with Beijing.