4 Chinese vessels follow PH-US maritime exercise near Bajo de Masinloc

June 29 ------ Four Chinese vessels, including a People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLA-N) frigate with bow number 555 and three China Coast Guard (CCG) ships, were monitored following a Philippine-United States maritime exercise conducted approximately 50 nautical miles from Bajo de Masinloc or Scarborough Shoal.

The bilateral maritime cooperative activity (BMCA) involved the Philippine Navy’s BRP Antonio Luna; Philippine Coast Guard’s BRP Melchora Aquino and BRP Capones; and United States Coast Guard’s USCGC Charles Moulthrope and USCGC Emlen Tunnell. Captain Jennifer Monforte, commanding officer of BRP Antonio Luna, said the presence of Chinese vessels was expected. “Lagi nating nade-detect si FFG 555. Siya 'yung parating sumusunod sa atin dito tuwing pumupunta tayo rito,” Monforte told reporters aboard BRP Antonio Luna.

The PLA-N warship was first detected after the Philippine vessel arrived in the area on Saturday. The closest recorded distance between the Chinese vessel and BRP Antonio Luna was 5.6 nautical miles. Despite their presence, Monforte said the Chinese ships did not disrupt the activity. “Hindi naman sila naka-hamper sa exercise natin,” she noted.

The BMCA was held as the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) aims to increase its presence around Bajo de Masinloc. Monforte described the maritime exercise as significant in sustaining patrols and operations in the area. “Significant hindi lang para sa BRP Antonio Luna, kundi sa buong Northern Luzon Naval Command (NLNC) kasi na-me-maintain namin ang presence sa area at natutupad namin ang sinabi ng AFP na paigtingin pa ang pagpapatrol sa Bajo de Masinloc,” she said.

The BMCA was also the first activity in the area following the removal of a Chinese floating structure discovered inside the lagoon of Bajo de Masinloc. BRP Antonio Luna was among the Philippine assets which first discovered the floating platform—a structure Philippine authorities had been monitoring inside the shoal for more than three weeks since May 25. “'Yung BMCA na sinundan nito, 'yun ang first time na nakita namin [ang floating platform]—kung saan pinaliparan namin ng helicopter 100 feet above the structure,” Monforte said. “Walang changes kasi ganoon pa rin sila [Chinese maritime forces] karami kapag lumalapit kami rito. Gaya ngayon—apat ang sumusunod sa atin na barko nila… Hindi naman sila naging mas aggressive mula nang ma-discover natin ang structure,” she added.

The exercise included tactical maneuvering drills or DIVTACS, and search and rescue or SAR, aimed at enhancing interoperability among participating vessels. However, rough sea conditions forced the cancellation of several serials, including personnel transfer and visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) exercises. “Medyo masama ang panahon. 1.3 meters ang taas ng alon kaya mayroon tayong mga serials na na-cancel,” Monforte said. “Pag one meter or higher ang alon, hindi na tayo nagbababa ng RHIB [rigid hull inflatable boat].”

Looking ahead, Monforte said the Philippine Navy hopes to conduct more advanced maritime drills, including exercises focused on naval warfare and fleet operations. “Sa amin sa Navy, ang gusto naming exercises is 'yung pang-warfare gaya nung sa Balikatan. Hopefully, magsagawa uli ang Philippine Fleet ng unilateral exercise for fleet vessels,” the official said.

Source: news.abs-cbn.com