Manila: The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is lodging a new protest against China’s conduct of dangerous maneuvers in the Scarborough Shoal-an action a Filipino civilian vessel was able to evade but ultimately caused collision between Beijing’s very own vessels. “We will be in the process of doing so but, but for this time, it will be the statement that we have released today,” she said in an ambush interview on the sidelines of an exchange of notes on the Reciprocal Access Agreement entry into force on Tuesday.
According to Philippines News Agency, Lazaro said the DFA is treating the issue ‘carefully’ as she again conveyed Manila’s openness to hold a diplomatic dialogue with Beijing. “This is a situation whereby we have to be more careful and we still go back to the process whereby diplomatic dialogue and discussions will be best for the situation,” she said.
Lazaro emphasized the importance of adhering to established conventions, citing the COLREGS (International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea) and the SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea Convention), as critical frameworks that should guide both parties. “We cited two conventions there-the COLREGS and the SOLAS, which I think is the dominating convention that should be employed by both sides,” she added.
In the same interview, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. criticized China after it blamed the Philippines for the latest incident. “They can say what they want. But I mean, who’s more credible at the end of the day?” he asked. “I’m already tired of contradicting and I don’t want to answer a blatant lie and glorify it. And everybody knows the truth, really. Why will we pick a fight?”
In a separate post on X, United States Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson condemned the Chinese actions, describing them as ‘reckless’ and directed against the PCG vessel. The latest incident took place off the Bajo de Masinloc on Monday morning, while the Chinese Coast Guard ship 3104 was chasing BRP Suluan at high speed.
Visibly suffering from significant damage after colliding with People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) ship 164, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) immediately offered assistance, including medical aid and the towing of the damaged ship out of the area.
