The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) denied China’s claim that they expelled its patrol vessel, as well as an aircraft from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), which was conducting a humanitarian mission for Filipino fishermen.
According to the PCG, on December 19, their 97-meter patrol vessel, BRP Teresa Magbanua, “distributed food packs to 40 Filipino fishermen in the waters near Bajo de Masinloc,” also known as Panatag Shoal or Scarborough Shoal.
In a statement on Friday, Liu Dejun, spokesperson for the China Coast Guard (CCG), said that a Philippine C-208 aircraft “illegally entered China’s airspace over Huangyan Dao without permission from the Chinese government,” referring to China’s name for Panatag Shoal.
Liu added, “Huangyan Dao is an inherent part of China’s territory and the Philippines’ actions seriously infringe on China’s sovereignty, posing serious risks to maritime and aviation safety.”
In response, PCG Commodore Jay Tarriela, spokesperson for issues related to the West Philippine Sea (WPS), denied China’s report that their forces expelled Philippine agencies.
He also stated that Philippine authorities “conducted legitimate patrols in our waters at Bajo de Masinloc to ensure the safety and security of our Filipino fishermen.”
They also cited “China’s interference in Bajo de Masinloc, including the deployment of China Coast Guard ships, Chinese Maritime Militia, and even a PLA Navy vessel.”