AFP Firm on BdM Despite Chinese Military Deployment

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla (PNA file photo)

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MANILA – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said it would continue to assert the country’s position in Bajo de Masinloc (Bdm), also known as Scarborough Shoal, in the West Philippine Sea in accordance with international law, even as China continues to deploy military assets, including fighter aircraft, in the area.

AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla gave this comment when asked whether China’s deployment of fighter aircraft is linked to the Aug. 11 incident where two Chinese ships collided with one another and suffered damage while chasing and attempting to ram a Philippine Coast Guard vessel, the BRP Suluan (MRRV-4406) off Bajo de Masinloc.

“We do not speculate on the intent behind the actions of foreign military assets. What is important is that the AFP, together with our partner agencies such as the Philippine Coast Guard, remains steadfast in fulfilling our mandate to protect our people and secure our sovereign rights,” she said in a message to the Philippine News Agency late Thursday.

Last Aug. 12, a Chinese J-15 fighter jet made interception moves against a PCG Caravan patrol conducting a maritime domain awareness flight over Bajo de Masinloc.

Reports also said the Chinese fighter jet came as close as 200 feet and performed dangerous maneuvers over the Philippine aircraft.

“As President (Ferdinand R.) Marcos (Jr.) recently underscored, we will continue to assert our position in accordance with international law, through a posture that is firm yet responsible, to ensure peace and stability in our maritime areas,” Padilla added. (PNA)