Manila Philippines — The Philippine government has already filed a diplomatic protest regarding the provocations and dangerous actions taken by the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) of China in the Bajo de Masinloc area this weekend.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirmed that the Philippines filed a protest regarding the incident.
According to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the dangerous maneuvering of the Chinese Air Force happened and released flares during the Maritime Patrol of the Philippine Military in Bajo de Masinloc or better known Scarborough Shoal.
The DFA once again insisted that the current provisional understanding is irrelevant with such issue because it only covers the Philippines’ Rotational Resupply (RORE) mission in Ayungin Shoal.
“I was informed a diplomatic protest will be sent within the day. On the question about the effect of the incident on the provisional understanding, please note the provisional understanding applies only to RORE missions in Ayungin Shoal,” said DFA Spokesperson Tess Daza.
However, the Philippines will continue to maintains diplomacy in resolving issues.
Along with adopting the de-escalatory approach amid the tensions in the West Philippine Sea.
“But the Philippines adopts a de-escalatory approach to tensions in the WPS. It remains committed to diplomacy and peaceful means of resolving disputes,” Daza said.
The National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NT WPS) also condemned the irresponsible, unprofessional, illegal and dangerous actions of the Chinese Air Force.
The Task Force calls on the People’s Republic of China to stop all provocations and dangerous actions that could endanger Filipino soldiers and civilians.
“…we call on the government of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) to cease all forms of provocative and hazardous acts that could undermine the safety of Filipino military and civilian personnel in the waters or in the skies, destabilize regional peace, and erode the trust and confidence of the international community in the PRC.,” NTF WPS asserted in a statement.
Malacañang Palace first issued a statement over the air incident in Bajo de Masinloc.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. strongly condemned the incident, and stood up to the bravery of the personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, particularly the Philippine Air Force (PAF).
It is said that China’s action is inexcusable, illegal and dangerous, as the Philippines conducts maritime security operation within the sovereign airspace.
The Philippines will continue to adhere to proper diplomacy and peaceful means of resolving the disputes, but the President also encourages China to show responsibility in both the seas and in the skies.
The Chinese Embassy has not yet issued a statement regarding the incident.