The Philippine Navy has condemned the recent actions of a military helicopter by China tailing a Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) air patrol over Bajo de Masinloc, describing the maneuver as “unprofessional” and “unsafe.”
“These are unsafe maneuvers. They are uncalled for, unprofessional,” said Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, Navy spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea (WPS), in a story by the state-run Philippine News Agency (PNA) on Tuesday.
He noted that the incident, which occurred on September 21, involved a Chinese Harbin Z-9 helicopter getting dangerously close to the Philippine aircraft.
“Tailing or getting too close to another aircraft increases the potential for any untoward incident and poses a danger for the pilots and passengers,” Trinidad added, stressing that such actions violate aviation protocols and international law.
He said the incident was initially triggered by a Chinese warship issuing a radio warning to the Philippine aircraft, which was conducting a routine patrol.
Trinidad emphasized the need for adherence to international laws, not only for aircraft but also for ships. “Hence, the need for all the actions to be within the rules of engagement and international law,” he stated. He left it to the BFAR to issue an official statement on the incident.
The helicopter incident comes against the backdrop of a dramatic surge in the number of Chinese vessels spotted in the WPS. From September 17 to 23, the Philippine Navy reported a total of 251 Chinese ships in the area, the highest concentration so far this year. This is a significant increase from the 157 vessels detected in the previous week.
According to the Navy’s report, the Chinese presence included 204 Chinese Maritime Militia Vessels (CMMVs), 28 China Coast Guard Vessels (CCGVs), 16 People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) warships, and three Chinese Research Survey Vessels (CRSVs).
Trinidad, as quoted by PNA, attributed the spike in numbers to improved weather conditions.
“Each time there is a weather disturbance, the number of Chinese ships decreases, only to climb again once the weather improves,” he explained.
Among the ships spotted during the period, the highest concentrations were observed in Sabina Shoal (also known as Escoda Shoal), where 55 CMMVs, 16 CCGVs, and 11 PLAN vessels were recorded. Other significant sightings include nine CCGVs, 62 CMMVs, and one CRSV in Ayungin Shoal, and 38 CMMVs in Iroquois Reef.
The Philippine government is exploring all available options to address the persistent Chinese presence in the WPS. Trinidad stressed that despite the departure of the Philippine Coast Guard’s BRP Teresa Magbanua (MRRV-9701) from Escoda Shoal on September 14, the Philippine military maintains its presence in the area.
“We have always been there. The objective is monitoring. Again, (as) I mentioned, this is not just physical. There are different capabilities that we have right now to be able to monitor not only Escoda, but the entire WPS,” Trinidad said.
He refuted claims that the Chinese presence in the WPS constitutes a “form of limited sea control” or a “blockade,” instead describing it as “illegal presence, coercive and aggressive actions, and deceptive messaging.”
“At the highest level of government, there are a range of different options available. These options have not been exhausted yet. The AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) has a particular role to play under the whole-of-government effort,” he added. “Whatever is decided upon, the AFP will implement.”
The Navy remains committed to its mandate, with Trinidad affirming, “We’ll keep performing our mandate and keep monitoring our shoals and reefs and shallow areas.”
The ongoing situation underscores the heightened tensions in the region, as the Philippine government continues to seek effective measures to address the escalating presence of Chinese vessels in the country’s maritime territory.
