Tense sa WPS: Pinoy Navy Ship Swerves Away From Chinese Frigate

A Philippine Navy ship narrowly avoided trouble in the West Philippine Sea after a Chinese missile frigate made what the Armed Forces described as a dangerous move near Pag-asa Island. The incident involved BRP Benguet while it was carrying out a routine and lawful operation on March 25.

According to Western Command, the Chinese vessel closed in and passed at a dangerously short distance, forcing the Philippine ship to respond carefully. Officials said the maneuver was unsafe, unprofessional, and a clear risk to both crews at sea.

The military said BRP Benguet’s measured actions stopped the situation from getting worse. Walang banggaan, but the encounter again highlighted how tense patrols remain in waters that Manila says are firmly within the country’s rights and jurisdiction.

Western Command also said the Chinese ship’s behavior ran against international rules meant to prevent collisions at sea. The AFP urged the People’s Liberation Army Navy to follow accepted maritime norms and avoid actions that could trigger a more serious incident.

For Manila, the message is simple: operations in the West Philippine Sea will continue, and the Navy is expected to keep asserting Philippine sovereignty while trying to avoid escalation. But this latest close call shows just how fast routine missions can turn risky.

Source: The Manila Times