PH not responsible for Chinese vessels’ collision—DFA

The Philippines “has no responsibility” over the collision of two Chinese vessels in Bajo de Masinloc while chasing Philippine Coast Guard vessel BRP Suluan, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said.

This image shows the exact moment when China Coast Guard (CCG) ship “3104” collided with a Chinese People’s Liberation Army-Navy (PLA-N) warship “164” while chasing BRP Suluan in Bajo de Masinloc, West Philippine Sea on Aug. 11, 2025. (Photo from Philippine Coast Guard)

“The Philippines bears no responsibility for the collision between the PLAN vessel and the CCG vessel in Bajo de Masinloc,” Lazaro said on Friday, Aug. 15.

“It was an unfortunate outcome, but not one caused by our actions,” Lazaro added.

Aside from chasing BRP Suluan (MRRV 4406), the Chinese ships also caused obstruction and deployed water cannons against BRP Suluan, which was conducting the humanitarian operation along with BRP Teresa Magbanua (MRRV 9701).

Chinese maritime expert Yang Xiao said that the Philippines should pay for the damages caused in the collision,claiming that the Philippines’ ship “provoked and caused the incident at sea.

DFA spokesperson Angelica Escalona, however, said that there has been no demand for compensation from the Chinese government related to the incident.

Meanwhile, the DFA has once again demanded China for compensation for the damage caused to the Philippine vessels and equipment in an incident on June 17, 2024.

“On a similar note, the Philippines reiterates its demand to China for compensation for the damage caused to Philippine vessels and equipment on 17 June 2024, as well as the return of its firearms and equipment, and the personal effects of its personnel that were illegally seized on that date,” Lazaro said.

— Betheena Unite