The Philippines will continue to conduct legitimate activities over its exclusive economic zone in the West Philippines amid China's aggressive actions against Filipino vessels.

This was stressed by National Security Council Jonathan Malaya during a televised public briefing on Monday, after the Armed Forces of the Philippines reported that China has again performed dangerous maneuvers against its naval assets in Pag-asa (Thitu) Island in the West Philippine Sea last Friday, 13 October.

Malaya said the recent shadowing, dangerous maneuvers, and radio challenges of the People's Liberation Army of China against Philippine Navy vessels were a clear violation of the 2016 Arbitral Ruling on the West Philippine Sea.

In a Viber message on Monday, AFP spokesperson Col. Medel Aguilar confirmed that the PN's BRP Benguet, which was en route to Rizal Reef Station for a regular rotation and resupply, was shadowed by China's PLA Navy Ship 621.

The incident took place from 1:40 p.m. to 5:04 p.m. on Friday, he added.

Aguilar said the Chinese warship attempted to cross BRP Benguet's bow with the closest point of approach of 350 yards at 5.8 nautical miles southwest of Pag-asa Island—describing the incident as "disturbing."

"In the exchanges of challenges, our Navy personnel warned them that they are violating specific provisions of Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea," he stressed.

"Still, the act of deliberately attempting to cross the path of our vessel is irresponsible and unprofessional," he added.

Asked if the AFP still expecting a similar form of harassment from China in the future, Aguilar said: "It's up to them but such actions will only destroy their image further internationally.

"Aguilar added that such "actions show how they disrespect international laws and conventions and reveal their blatant disregard for the well-being of other people's lives."

Aguilar noted that the RoRe mission was successfully pushed through despite China's recent harassment.

Meanwhile, Malaya said the Philippines will continue protecting its sovereignty and sovereign rights in the WPS.

He also criticized China's enforcement of its own maritime law over the South China Sea, which overlaps the country's claim over WPS.

"Why do they enforce Chinese law when the permanent court of arbitration has already invalidated China's claim over the entire South China Sea? They don't have the right to enforce a law whether international law or domestic law in the West Philippine Sea," he said.

Malaya said the Philippines will always assert the rights of Filipino fishermen to fish in the WPS.

"We will continue to conduct maritime patrols, intelligence, surveillance as well as reconnaissance and sovereignty patrols in the WPS to assert the Philippine national interest," he added.