The Philippines is poised to file a diplomatic protest over the “reckless” maneuvers by a Chinese military helicopter near a light aircraft of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources which was on a routine patrol over the Bajo de Masinloc on Tuesday.
In a statement, the National Maritime Council said the People’s Liberation Army-Navy Harbin Z-9 helicopter flew and hovered as close as three meters above the BFAR’s Cessna over the Bajo de Masinloc on Tuesday.
“This blatantly hazardous action endangered the safety of the pilots and passengers onboard. It demonstrated a lack of regard for internationally accepted norms on good airmanship and flight safety,” the council said.
The council said the Philippines had undeniable sovereignty and jurisdiction over Bajo de Masinloc.
“China’s illegal, coercive, and aggressive behavior will not deter the Philippines from continuing the conduct of its routine maritime operations in accordance with its sovereignty over the shoal,” the council said.
The council said the Philippines would not waver in its duty to safeguard its maritime interests over the shoal, in accordance with Republic Act 12064 or the Philippine Maritime Zones Act and international law, particularly UNCLOS and the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award.
“The Philippine Government will also issue a formal diplomatic protest on this grave incident,” the council said.
“The Philippines is committed to the rule of law and will always uphold international law. We urge China to respect international law, engage in responsible state behavior, pursue peaceful settlement of disputes, and refrain from actions that undermine regional peace and stability,” it added. –NB, GMA Integrated News
