DFA lodges 61st protest against China for Bajo de Masinloc actions

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) lodged another diplomatic protest against China on Thursday, December 5, following aggressive actions by Chinese Coast Guard and People's Liberation Army Navy vessels near Bajo de Masinloc in the West Philippine Sea.

On Wednesday, Dec. 4, a CCG vessel used water cannons and intentionally rammed two Philippine fisheries vessels at Escoda Shoal, while PLAN warships shadowed and conducted dangerous maneuvers against Philippine Coast Guard vessels near Scarborough Shoal.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo confirmed during an interview that they are submitting the protest, noting Japan's support for the Philippines in this matter.

The Philippines has filed 60 diplomatic protests against China this year and a total of 193 since the start of President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr.'s administration.

France and other countries including Japan, Australia, the United States, European Union, Canada, Germany, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Norway, the Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark, and South Korea have voiced out their support to the Philippines and conveyed serious concerns over China's actions in the area.