PCG, PAF conduct maritime patrols over Bajo de Masinloc; no new structure spotted

MANILA — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Philippine Air Force (PAF) conducted maritime domain awareness (MDA) flights over Bajo de Masinloc or Scarborough Shoal on Tuesday, amid the presence of Chinese maritime forces and a reported new structure in the area.

An ABS-CBN News journalist joined the flight.

Even before the PCG Cessna Caravan reached the shoal, radio challenges could already be heard between the PAF and China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) and People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF), with both sides asserting their respective claims over the area.

In the radio exchanges, the Chinese side claimed the aircraft were flying in airspace under China’s maritime feature and asserted that Bajo de Masinloc was within its territorial airspace.

The Chinese side also warned that the aircraft would be intercepted if they did not leave.

The PAF, meanwhile, maintained that Bajo de Masinloc, also known as Panatag Shoal, is within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ), calling China’s statements and actions illegal and asserting its right to conduct routine maritime patrols over the area.

During Tuesday’s flight, two buoys placed by China at the shoal last year remained in place. A floating barrier was also spotted at the entrance to the shoal.

Just outside Bajo de Masinloc, a Chinese research vessel was seen illegally operating in Philippine waters.

One of the objectives of the MDA flight was to inspect a reported new structure allegedly built on top of a rock at the shoal.

However, no such structure was spotted during the flight.

Farther away, a PLAN warship and a Chinese maritime militia vessel were also sighted.

The MDA flight is part of the Philippines’ efforts to monitor activities in its maritime zones and document the presence of foreign vessels in areas within its jurisdiction.