PH files diplomatic protest vs China over harassment of PAF plane in WPS

HARASSMENT IN THE SKY This photo shared by a Philippine government source shows Chinese fighter jets making a “dangerous” move against a Philippine Air Force plane, firing flares into its path as it was flying over Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal on Aug. 8.

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine government has filed a diplomatic protest against China following the recent harassment of a Philippine Air Force (PAF) plane by two Chinese Air Force aircraft while it was flying over the country’s territorial waters near Scarborough Shoal in the West Philippines Sea.

Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Teresita Daza confirmed the matter to reporters in a text message on Tuesday when she was asked if the agency had filed the protest.

“Yes,” she said, without providing further details.

READ: Flares over Panatag: PH protests Chinese aggression

INQUIRER.net has requested additional information from the Department of Foreign Affairs, specifically as to when the protest was lodged and who received it on China’s side, but it has yet to respond as of posting.

Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo initially indicated on Monday that the government would “definitely protest” China’s latest actions.

READ: Hontiveros on China’s actions in WPS: They’re going too far, take them to court

“The President has come out very strongly on this and we will maintain that position,” Manalo said in an interview also on Monday.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines on August 10 bared that Chinese fighter jets made a “dangerous” move against a PAF plane by firing flares into its path as it was flying over Scarborough Shoal.

AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. condemned what he branded as  “provocative actions” of the People’s Liberation Army Air Force, pointing out that  it “endangered the lives of [Filipino] personnel undertaking maritime security operations” on Aug. 8.

Following AFP’s disclosure, Marcos himself denounced China’s actions, calling it unjustified, illegal, and reckless.

China’s continued aggression in Philippine waters stems from its sweeping claim over most of the South China Sea, including the West Philippine Sea.

However, this claim has long been dismissed by an arbitral tribunal.