Gibo expects more WPS confrontations

Defense Secretary Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro anticipates more confrontations between the Philippines and China, similar to the recent navy-to-navy harassment at Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal) in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

“We have to expect more of the same. I mean, it’s not like we can ignore our duties in our jurisdiction under the law. That’s not possible. Are they the ones dictating the laws of the world? Not,” Teodoro told reporters in an interview in Camp Aguinaldo on Friday.

On Thursday, the Armed Forces of the Philippines said three Chinese vessels had “aggressively and unsafely” engaged in a confrontation with a Philippine Navy ship near Bajo de Masinloc on 5 May.

The Philippine Navy’s BRP Emilio Jacinto was conducting routine and lawful maritime patrols in support of a joint mission with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and the Philippine Coast Guard within Philippine waters when two Jiangkai II-class (Type 054A) frigates of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy (with bow numbers 554 and 573), along with China Coast Guard vessel 5403, executed aggressive and unsafe maneuvers against the Philippine warship.