PCG: PH plane, ships not expelled from Bajo de Masinloc

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) clarified on Saturday that neither a  Philippine aircraft nor Philippine ships were expelled from the Bajo de  Masinloc, disputing claims made by the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG).

"The PCG vessels and BFAR aircraft conducted legitimate patrols in our waters at Bajo de Masinloc to ensure the safety and security of Filipino fishermen," said Commodore Jay Tarriela, PCG spokesperson for the West  Philippine Sea, in a report aired on 24 Oras Weekend.

He  emphasized that the PCG vessels and BFAR aircraft departed the area  voluntarily after completing their mission of providing supplies to  Filipino fishermen, "rather than due to any expulsion by the Chinese  Coast Guard."

China alleged that a Philippine aircraft entered what it claimed was Chinese airspace. According to the CCG, the  Philippine C-208 aircraft flew over the Scarborough Shoal in the West  Philippine Sea on Friday.

While the Scarborough Shoal is within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone (EEZ), China maintains that the area is part of its territory.

The Chinese embassy in Manila accused the Philippines of violating China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights. It added that China would continue to enhance its law enforcement efforts in waters it claims to be under its jurisdiction.

The Chinese government reportedly sought comment from the Philippine Embassy in Beijing, but there was no immediate response from the embassy.

On Thursday, the PCG reported the presence of 12 Chinese vessels near Bajo de Masinloc.

“A BFAR patrol aircraft conducted aerial surveillance of the maritime situation, identifying two China Coast Guard vessels (3106 and 3104)  positioned outside Bajo de Masinloc, along with seven Chinese maritime militia vessels in the surrounding waters,” the PCG stated.

“Two Chinese maritime militia vessels were observed stationed inside the shoal, monitoring access routes into the area. Additionally, a People’s  Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) vessel, bow number 552, was reported approximately 50 nautical miles off the coast of Zambales,” the statement added. — Sherylin Untalan/DVM, GMA Integrated News