PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Sunday strongly condemned the air incident over Bajo de Masinloc as he expressed support to the brave men and women of the Philippine Air Force (PAF).

In a statement released by the Palace, President Marcos denounced the unjustified, illegal, and reckless actions of the People’s Liberation Army – Air Force (PLAAF) aircraft which almost collided with a PAF aircraft during a routine maritime security operation over Philippine sovereign airspace.

“I strongly condemn the air incident in Bajo de Masinloc earlier this week, and stand by our brave men and women of the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines), especially the Philippine Air Force,” President Marcos said on Sunday.

“The actions of the People’s Liberation Army – Air Force (PLAAF) aircraft were unjustified, illegal and reckless, especially as the PAF aircraft was undertaking a routine maritime security operation in Philippine sovereign airspace,” he added.

The Chief Executive emphasized the challenge of calming the waters and concern over instability in Philippine airspace.

Nevertheless, the Philippines shall remain committed to proper diplomacy and peaceful means of resolving disputes but China should demonstrate full capability to act responsibly both in seas and in skies, the President said.

“We have hardly started to calm the waters, and it is already worrying that there could be instability in our airspace,” he said.

“The Philippines will always remain committed to proper diplomacy and peaceful means of resolving disputes. However, we strongly urge China to demonstrate that it is fully capable of responsible action, both in the seas and in the skies.”

CHINA’S HARRASSMENT WONT DETER PH MARITIME AIR PATROL

The Philippines’ air patrols will continue to safeguard its vast maritime territories amid China’s latest harassment against a Filipino aircraft conducting patrols over Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal).

In a radio interview Sunday, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla also called this act of China’s People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) a contravention of international law and regulations on aviation safety.

“Muli po naming pinagtitibay ang ating determinasyon na magsasagawa pa rin kami ng regular surveillance operation (We are committed and determined in carrying out our regular surveillance operation),” Padilla said.

The AFP on Saturday made public China’s latest aggression and condemned the PLAAF’s actions that endangered Philippine Air Force (PAF) aircraft and personnel going about their lawful duties.

“On 8 August 2024, a PAF NC-212i aircraft was conducting a routine maritime patrol over Bajo de Masinloc when two aircraft from the PLAAF executed a dangerous maneuver at around 9 a.m. and dropped flares in the path of our NC-212i,” AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said in a statement.

Brawner said the incident interfered with lawful flight operations in airspace within Philippine sovereignty and jurisdiction.

“The pilots and crew of the NC-212i safely returned to Clark Air Base at 10 a.m. All personnel on board were unharmed,” Brawner said.

He added the AFP had reported the incident to the Department of Foreign Affairs and relevant government agencies.

Expressing dismay and concern over the recent provocative actions of the Chinese army against the Philippine Air Force, Senate President Pro Tempore Jose Jinggoy Estrada said this recent move is totally unacceptable.

“They must be met with firm and decisive condemnation from the international community.” Estrada said.

“We urged the Chinese government to immediately stop this clear act of aggression and adhere to international law. This recent incident is a violation of international aviation safety standards and the rights of all nations to carry out lawful maritime operations,” Estrada 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. PCO, PNA, Camille P. Balagtas