Palace airs concern over recent China aggression in Bajo de Masinloc

Chinese Coast Guard vessel moving dangerously close to the PCG patrol ship. (Photo courtesy of PCG)

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine government continues to uphold professionalism with a “fearless spirit of patriotism” following a recent incident between a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) ship and a Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) vessel in the West Philippine Sea over the weekend, a Palace official said.

At a briefing on Tuesday, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is concerned about the incident but will leave it to the relevant authorities to provide further details.

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“Of course, our president is concerned about what’s happening. But we still maintain a level of professionalism, along with a fearless spirit of patriotism. So, let’s allow Commodore Tarriela to answer the details,” she said in Filipino.

On Sunday, the Philippine Coast Guard’s 44-meter patrol vessel, BRP Cabra (MRRV-44090), was en route to the southwest part of Panatag Shoal, also called Bajo de Masinloc, when it was shadowed by CCG 3302, approximately 176 kilometers west-northwest of Capones Island, Zambales.

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The Chinese ship made “reckless and dangerous moves” just 16 meters in front of the BRP Cabra, as if it was going to ram it.

Commodore Jay Tarriela, spokesperson for the Philippine Coast Guard in the West Philippine Sea, said that the Chinese vessel already moved further away from Zambales province on Monday morning.