The National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NT WPS) strongly condemns the irresponsible, unprofessional, illegal and dangerous acts of the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) that harassed a Philippine Air Force (PAF) patrol aircraft on August 8 in the skies near Bajo de Masinloc.
Without any provocation or justifiable cause,two (2) PLAAF aircraft conducted dangerous maneuvers in close proximity to a PAF aircraft conducting a routine patrol mission. The PLAA planes deliberately deployed flares near the PAF aircraft, risking the safety of its Filipino crew. The PAF NC-212i aircraft never posed a threat to the PLAAF jets. By launching flares in the flight path of the PAF plane, the PLAAF fighters exhibited hazardous intent.
Just when the waters of the West Philippine Sea seemed to show calm, the airspace above it was disturbed with acts of aggression. Our pilots and crew responded with focus, restraint, and professionalism, unfazed by the aggressive PLAAF jets.
Thus, we call on the government of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) to cease all forms of provocative and hazardous acts that could undermine the safety of Filipino military and civilian personnel in the waters or in the skies, destabilize regional peace, and erode the trust and confidence of the international community in the PRC. Air and maritime security patrol missions will continue within our sovereign territory, airspace, and Exclusive Economic Zone. The monitoring of our country’s airspace will be intensified. Our strong, prepared and highly-motivated Armed Forces will continue sea, afor cyberspace, peting tine and again that ti si acure her regional peace, and stability.
