Phl clears responsibility in Scarborough Shoal collision

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Friday asserted that the Philippines has no responsibility for the collision between two Chinese vessels in Bajo de Masinloc on August 11.

According to the DFA, China Coast Guard vessel 3104 and People’s Liberation Army Navy ship 164 slammed into each other while chasing the Philippine Coast Guard’s BRP Suluan, which was escorting a supply mission to local fisherfolk.

The DFA said the mishap was caused by the CCG’s risky maneuver, which left the vessel’s forecastle heavily damaged and unseaworthy.

DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro stressed the incident was “not one caused by our actions,” dismissing Chinese maritime expert Yang Xiao’s claims that the Philippines provoked the encounter and should shoulder “all losses.” The DFA also confirmed no compensation demand has been filed by Beijing.

Senator Risa Hontiveros accused China of spreading lies to hide its embarrassment, saying state media ignored the collision while blaming Manila. She renewed her call for China to pay nearly P20 billion in damages for environmental destruction in the West Philippine Sea.

Bajo de Masinloc, also known as Scarborough Shoal, remains an integral part of Philippine territory, with experts warning the latest incident underscores China’s disregard for international law and the 2016 Arbitral Award.