A Philippine Navy vessel carried out “measured and decisive actions” to avoid a collision after a China naval ship executed a dangerous maneuver near Pag-asa Island on Wednesday, March 25.
Western Command (WESCOM) said BRP Benguet (LS 507) was on a routine maritime operation when it encountered a People’s Liberation Army-Navy (PLA-N) missile frigate with bow number 532, which passed dangerously close after performing an unsafe maneuver.
No personnel were hurt as the Philippine vessel successfully prevented escalation despite the close encounter.
WESCOM described the incident as “dangerous and provocative,” and a clear violation of the Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs).
“The Western Command (WESCOM) calls on the PLA Navy to adhere to established international rules and norms to prevent incidents at sea,” the statement read.
It added that Philippine forces will continue lawful maritime operations “with professionalism and resolve” in exercising the country’s sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction in the West Philippine Sea.
