The Philippines firmly asserts that it bears no responsibility for the recent collision between a People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) vessel and the China Coast Guard (CCG) near Bajo de Masinloc. As stated by Foreign Affairs Secretary Theresa Lazaro, the incident was an unfortunate outcome, but it was not caused by any action of the Philippines. Our position remains clear — we continue to operate within the bounds of international law and with full respect for maritime safety.
This event underscores the importance of responsible conduct in disputed waters and the need to prevent unnecessary escalations. The Philippines remains committed to upholding its sovereignty, ensuring the safety of its personnel, and advocating for peace and stability in the West Philippine Sea.
