At least nine Chinese naval assets shadowed the Philippine Navy’s BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG06) during its routine patrol in Bajo de Masinloc, also known as Scarborough Shoal, for two days.
Footage obtained by DZRH News showed Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) warships 569 and 554, along with a PLA supply ship, trailing the Philippine vessel.
FFG06 Executive Officer Lt. Cmdr. Bryan Magura also said another Chinese warship, two China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels, two unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and a maritime patrol aircraft were spotted around the shoal.
“I believe sila [Chinese maritime assets] na rin ‘yun, 'yung mga nakadeploy. Nagconsolidate lang sila siguro na na-alarm sa presence ng Philippine Navy at nagconsolidate sa area kung saan tayo,” Magura said.
Magura said Chinese forces routinely follow Philippine vessels whenever they operate in the area, with the two sides also exchanging radio challenges.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Air Force, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) conducted their own patrols on Friday, October 16, as the Philippines continued its maritime presence in the area.
[Reports from RH Edniel Parrosa]
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