President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has denounced the “unjustified, illegal, and reckless” maneuvers of China’s People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) over Panatag Shoal, also known as Scarborough Shoal in the disputed South China Sea, highlighting concerns over potential instability in Philippine airspace.
The condemnation followed an incident on August 8, when two PLAAF aircraft performed a “dangerous maneuver” and released flares near a Philippine Air Force (PAF) NC-212i engaged in routine maritime patrol.
According to Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., the incident, which occurred around 9 a.m., endangered the Filipino pilots and crew, disrupted lawful operations, and violated international aviation safety standards. The NC-212i safely returned to Clark Air Base an hour later.
In a statement, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) confirmed Marcos’s strong disapproval of the air incident and his support for the PAF. “The President strongly condemns the air incident in Bajo de Masinloc (Panatag Shoal) earlier this week, and stands by our brave men and women of the AFP, especially the Philippine Air Force,” the PCO said.
Marcos criticized the PLAAF’s actions, emphasizing that the PAF aircraft was conducting a standard maritime security operation within Philippine airspace.
The President also expressed concerns about the potential for increased instability in Philippine airspace and urged China to act responsibly both at sea and in the air. “However, we strongly urge China to demonstrate that it is fully capable of responsible action, both in the seas and in the skies,” he said.
Panatag Shoal, located 124 nautical miles from Zambales province, lies within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ) but has been under Chinese control since 2012. This follows incidents involving Chinese surveillance ships shielding poachers from the Philippine Navy.
In recent years, reports of harassment and seizure of Filipino fishermen’s catches have persisted, with the shoal remaining a traditional fishing ground for Filipino, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Taiwanese fishermen.
China’s extensive claims over the South China Sea are contested by the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan. In 2016, a Hague-based arbitral court invalidated China’s claims and upheld the Philippines’ EEZ rights — a ruling China has consistently rejected.
Senator urges global condemnation of China’s actions
Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada has called for international condemnation of China’s actions.
“The PLAAF’s reckless and provocative behavior against our Philippine Air Force aircraft conducting lawful maritime patrols over Scarborough Shoal are unacceptable,” Estrada said.
“They must be met with firm and decisive condemnation from the international community,” he emphasized.
Estrada condemned the dropping of flares as a violation of Philippine sovereignty and international aviation standards. He urged China to halt these aggressive actions and comply with international law, asserting that the Philippines will continue to defend its sovereignty and regional peace despite intimidation.
“This recent incident is a blatant violation of international aviation safety standards and the rights of all nations to carry out lawful maritime operations,” he said.
“We will not be intimidated. We will continue to defend our sovereignty with resolve and determination while remaining committed to upholding the rule of law and promoting peace in the region,” he added.
PH prepares for potential increased Chinese aggression in West Philippine Sea
Senior defense and military officials warned that the Philippines must brace for escalating Chinese aggression in the West Philippine Sea.
For his part, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. characterized the situation as a “continuous struggle” for sovereignty and advised the nation to prepare for further aggressive actions from China.
Teodoro confirmed that the National Maritime Council is investigating the recent incident and reiterated Manila’s commitment to protesting Beijing’s actions. He suggested discussions on the potential need for FA-50PH fighter escorts for patrol planes, describing China’s behavior as part of a “consistent pattern”.
Earlier, Brawner labeled the actions of the Chinese aircraft as “very dangerous”, noting potential risks from the dropped flares. He advised Filipino military pilots to remain resolute and continue their maritime patrols, recommending evasive maneuvers in response to foreign aircraft.
Photo credit: Bongbong Marcos/FB page. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
