Potential Actions if Philippine Ships Encountered by Chinese Boats in the West Philippine Sea - AFP Report
On August 11, 2025, a standoff took place at Bajo de Masinloc, also known as the Scarborough Shoal, involving Philippine and Chinese vessels. The Philippine Coast Guard vessel BRP Suluan, accompanied by a Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources vessel, was chased by Chinese Coast Guard and People’s Liberation Army Navy vessels.
The incident began when Chinese vessels, including at least seven Chinese Coast Guard ships and 13 Chinese maritime militia vessels, employed aggressive tactics such as using water cannons, performing dangerous maneuvers, and shadowing Filipino vessels. During the chase, a Chinese Coast Guard vessel (CCG 3104) collided with a People’s Liberation Army Navy warship, sustaining substantial damage and becoming unseaworthy. The BRP Suluan’s flagpole was also damaged.
The Philippine side has not reported any casualties, but there is speculation that two or three Chinese Coast Guard personnel may have died in the collision incident. The Chinese authorities have not officially confirmed these reports.
In response, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine Coast Guard took precautionary measures. They deployed vessels to escort and supply Filipino fishermen in the area, awarded and recognised the crew of BRP Suluan for their bravery, maintained a high alert and readiness posture, and President Marcos affirmed that the government would not back down or withdraw from the standoff.
The AFP has contingency plans in case of casualties or if the BRP Suluan is hit by the People’s Liberation Army Navy in Bajo de Masinloc. AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. stated that they will act if such an incident occurs. Brawner also mentioned that military and PCG personnel have been instructed to follow the "Rules of Engagement" when performing their duties.
The collision occurred while the BRP Suluan was performing a routine humanitarian operation for Filipino fisherfolk in Bajo de Masinloc. The Philippine government considers China’s actions as "unlawful interference" with routine Philippine operations in the area.
The Philippine government has lodged a new protest against China's conduct of "dangerous maneuvers" in Bajo de Masinloc. The incident was reported by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).
The situation remains tense amid China’s rejection of the 2016 arbitration ruling favoring the Philippines. The Philippine government has expressed "serious concern" over the incident and is continuing diplomatic engagement to address this escalating conflict in the South China Sea.
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