PCG denies dangerous maneuvers, blames China

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) refuted China's claim that it was the Philippines which made dangerous maneuvers near Scarborough Shoal on Saturday.

Commodore Jay Tarriela, PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, said at a news forum in Quezon City that China is escalating tensions due to its illegal presence and actions within the South China Sea.

Tarriela stated that the incident occurred when Filipino ships were distributing aid to local fishermen under the Kadiwa program, and he denied that any dangerous maneuvers by the Philippines caused a collision between Chinese vessels on August 11.

China's Ministry of Defense spokesperson Jian Bin alleged that Philippine ships intruded into China's territorial waters near Huangyan Dao, leading to measures taken by the Chinese Coast Guard to track and block these Filipino vessels.

The PCG offered support for any injured CCG crew members but refused to take responsibility for damages caused by the collision and reiterated demands for compensation from China.