MANILA PHILIPPINES – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will continue it’s patrolling and surveillance operations around Scarborough Shoal or Bajo De Masinloc.
This came after the Chinese Air Force’s harassment and provocative action on the said area.
According to AFP Spokesperson Col. Margareth Padilla they will maintain the country’s sovereignty and security in its maritime domain despite the recent incident involving the China air force, which put the lives of AFP personnel at risk.
AFP Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr. said it is possible that China’s recent harassment in the Philippine Air Force (PAF) in Bajo de Masinloc will be followed.
Brawner is referring to the release of flares by the china air force in the path of PAF aircraft patrolling the area.
According to Gen. Brawner said that while Chinese planes have taken dangerous actions in the air before, this is the first time they used flares against the Philippine plane.
He said the flare is often used for defense against missile attacks.
Although no personnel on the aircraft were injured, the official emphasized that the Chinese aircraft interfered with the legal that flight operation and violated international aviation safety law.