Phl denies responsibility for collision of Chinese ships in BdM — DFA

The Philippine government on Friday denied any involvement in the recent collision between a Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) vessel and a China Coast Guard (CCG) ship in Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal).

Describing the incident as an “unfortunate outcome,” Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro asserted it was not caused by any Philippine action.

“The Philippines bears no responsibility for the collision between the PLAN vessel and the CCG vessel in Bajo de Masinloc. It was an unfortunate outcome, but not one caused by our actions,” Lazaro emphasized.

The collision, which occurred amid heightened tensions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), has sparked a wave of accusations from Beijing, which has blamed Manila for escalating tensions in the region.

In a recent ambush interview in Pasay City, Lazaro firmly pushed back on these claims and quickly dismissed China’s accusations against the Philippines.

"They will always say that," Lazaro told reporters.

Meanwhile, Defense Secretary Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. stressed the Philippines will not dignify what he described as “blatant lies” amid escalating tensions in the WPS.

“They can say what they want. But I mean, who's more credible at the end of the day?” he said, when asked about China’s continued narrative blaming the Philippines for maritime confrontations, including the recent collision between Chinese vessels in Bajo de Masinloc.

“I'm already tired of contradicting, you know, and I don't want to answer a blatant lie and, you know, glorify it. And everybody knows the truth, really. Why will we pick a fight? That's what the President said yesterday. Who in his or her right mind will initiate a conflict when you are a smaller country? Common sense, unless they don't have any,” he added.

In the same Friday statement, the Philippines reiterated its demand for China to pay compensation for damage caused during a separate incident on June 17, 2024, at Ayungin Shoal, when Chinese forces reportedly obstructed a routine resupply mission to the grounded BRP Sierra Madre.

“The Philippines reiterates its demand to China for compensation for the damage caused to Philippine vessels and equipment on 17 June 2024, as well as the return of its firearms and equipment, and the personal effects of its personnel that were illegally seized on that date,” Lazaro noted.

The June incident left one Filipino soldier injured and resulted in the seizure of military equipment and personal belongings by the Chinese Coast Guard.

Philippine defense and foreign affairs officials have maintained that China’s actions constitute a violation of international law and Philippine sovereignty.

The Philippines continues to pursue accountability from China through diplomatic protests.