AFP eyes more patrols near Bajo de Masinloc

MANILA, June 28 ------ The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said it will conduct more patrols near Bajo de Masinloc or Scarborough Shoal in the coming months following the successful deployment of a Philippine Navy warship in the area despite the presence of Chinese warships.

AFP spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad (Reserve) said the recent patrol by BRP Diego Silang (FFG-7) demonstrated the country’s commitment to asserting its rights in the area. “Recently, BRP Diego Silang conducted a unilateral patrol close to Bajo de Masinloc. She was armed with the Arbitral Tribunal Ruling of 2016. She was met by four PLA [People’s Liberation Army] Navy warships that were armed with a non-existent claim,” Trinidad said.

Despite being confronted by Chinese warships, the Philippine warship completed its mission. “The patrol was successfully conducted… in a legal and professional manner. You can expect more unilateral patrols, and bilateral and multilateral activities close to Bajo de Masinloc in the coming months,” he added.

The AFP official dismissed concerns that the Philippine Navy may be overstretched as it carries out multiple missions, including participation in international exercises abroad. “The operational tempo is being handled by Philippine Navy headquarters. The ships are allocated to the operational commands, specifically Western Command, Northern Luzon Command, and the recently activated Strategic Defense Command,” Trinidad explained. “We have sufficient numbers. They are more capable. They have greater reach [and] more effective sensors, and we are capable of conducting these patrols and multilateral activities,” Trinidad added.

During its patrol near Bajo de Masinloc, Trinidad said there was no indication that Chinese warships attempted to target BRP Diego Silang. “There was no monitored activity that would point to the activation of sensors or fire control systems,” he said. Nevertheless, the Philippine vessel challenged the presence of the Chinese ships and reiterated Manila’s position on the waters surrounding the shoal.

CHINESE NAVAL, COAST GUARD VESSELS IN WPS

The AFP continues to closely monitor the presence and activities of Chinese vessels in the West Philippine Sea. From June 16 to 22, the military monitored a total of 17 Chinese vessels across key maritime features. Bajo de Masinloc recorded the highest concentration, with four China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels and five PLA-N ships monitored in the area. Four CCG vessels were also observed near Ayungin Shoal, while three PLA-N vessels and one CCG ship were monitored near Pag-asa Island. No Chinese vessels were monitored in Escoda Shoal during the same period.

Source: news.abs-cbn.com