Chinese vessels conduct unsafe maneuvers near Bajo de Masinloc

Three Chinese vessels, including two frigates (BN 554 and BN 573) and a China Coast Guard ship (5403), engaged in aggressive and unsafe maneuvers against the Philippine Navy ship BRP Emilio Jacinto near Bajo de Masinloc on May 5.

The Chinese frigates tailgated and dangerously crossed the bow of the Philippine vessel, creating a collision risk, while the China Coast Guard ship attempted to block its path.

These actions, which occurred approximately 11.8 nautical miles southeast of Bajo de Masinloc, violated the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea.

The Department of National Defense (DND) has condemned these maneuvers, stating they could escalate tensions and impact regional stability.

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. asserted that the Philippines cannot abandon its duties in its own jurisdiction and questioned China's authority to dictate world laws.

Teodoro anticipates more confrontations between the Philippines and China in the West Philippine Sea following this incident.

The AFP praised the professionalism and restraint of the Philippine Navy personnel involved in the routine patrol.