Another collision of PH, Chinese vessels occurs in Bajo de Masinloc

A new maritime confrontation unfolded in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) after Philippine and Chinese vessels reportedly figured in a collision in Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough or Panatag Shoal) on Tuesday morning, Sept. 16, according to the China Coast guard (CCG).

- By MARTIN SADONGDONG

CCG spokesperson Gan Yu said a Philippine ship with bow number “3104” struck its vessel around 10 a.m., prompting them to take “regulatory measures”.

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson for WPS Rear Adm. Roy Vincent Trinidad said it was verifying the reported incident but he blasted the People’s Republic of China (PRC) for conducting “illegal” control measures against Philippine vessels.

Trinidad argued that the CCG, Chinese People’s Liberation Army-Navy (PLAN), and Chinese maritime militia have no right to implement any regulatory measures against Philippine vessels or personnel within the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the Philippines as it is beyond their jurisdiction.