Muntikang Banggaan sa WPS: PH Navy Ship Dodges Chinese Frigate Near Pag-asa
Nation | BRP Benguet
A Philippine Navy patrol near Pag-asa Island nearly turned into a serious sea incident after BRP Benguet had to avoid a close pass by a Chinese missile frigate in the West Philippine Sea.
Western Command said the encounter happened on March 25 during a routine patrol. The Armed Forces said the Chinese vessel, identified as PLA Navy frigate No. 532, made an unsafe maneuver by closing in and passing at a dangerously short distance from the Philippine ship.
The military said the move violated international rules meant to prevent collisions at sea. Even so, the BRP Benguet kept things from escalating, with the AFP saying the ship's crew acted in a measured but decisive way to protect everyone onboard.
Speaking separately, AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said the Philippines would keep asserting its rights through international law, diplomacy, and transparency. He pointed again to the 2016 arbitral ruling that rejected China's sweeping claims in the South China Sea.
The incident shows how tense the WPS remains on an almost daily basis. Habang iwas-gulo ang Philippine side, the message from military and coast guard officials is that Manila plans to stay professional, present, and firm in defending its waters.
Source: https://www.manilatimes.net/2026/03/28/news/national/ph-chinese-ships-avoid-collision-in-wps/2309492
