On 5 May 2025, the Philippine Navy’s BRP Emilio Jacinto (PS35), while conducting routine and lawful maritime patrol operations in support of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), encountered aggressive and unsafe maneuvers by two Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLA-N) vessels Jiangkai II-class frigates (Type 054A) with bow numbers 554 and 573, and a China Coast Guard vessel 5403. The incident occurred approximately 11.8 nautical miles southeast of Bajo de Masinloc.
The Chinese frigate BN 554 was documented tailing PS35 at close range, while BN 573 dangerously crossed its bow in a high-risk maneuver that created the danger of collision. China Coast Guard vessel 5403 also attempted to obstruct PS35’s navigational path.
These reckless actions not only posed a direct threat to the safety of navigation of PS35, but also violated the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs).
The Armed Forces of the Philippines expresses its serious concern over these irresponsible actions by Chinese maritime forces. Such threatening and provocative conduct can lead to misunderstanding that may escalate tensions and impact regional stability.
We commend the professionalism, discipline and restraint of the Philippine Navy personnel aboard BRP Emilio Jacinto.
The AFP remains steadfast in defending the sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction of the Philippines in its vast maritime domain, including its territorial seas in the West Philippine Sea, in accordance with international and domestic law and in pursuit of the rules-based order in the maritime domain.///
