Chinese warship, research vessel spotted at Bajo de Masinloc

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A Chinese warship and research vessel were spotted in separate occasions by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in the waters of the Bajo de Masinloc.

In a 24 Oras report from Chino Gaston on Tuesday, the PCG received reports that China was building structures in the Bajo de Masinloc.

GMA News joined the Coast Guard in a maritime domain awareness flight to the disputed reef that spotted a Chinese warship.

The Chinese ship even posed a radio challenge at the patrolling Philippine Air Force plane.

Right outside Bajo de Masinloc, there was a Chinese research vessel that was unaccompanied by the Chinese Coast Guard.

Within the lagoon of Bajo de Masinloc, there was one yellow buoy. A larger buoy that appeared to have an antenna was also spotted outside of the atoll; this was the same buoy that the PCG spotted one year ago.

Based on Gaston’s report, the PCG flight was not interfered with, which would have been typical behavior from the Chinese Coast Guard or the People's Liberation Army Navy.

Both of whom have been known to intercept Philippine aircrafts in Bajo de Masinloc.

The plane flew down to 200 feet but the reported infrastructure was not seen.

Newly-installed PCG Commandant Admiral Rommel Supangan said that the agency will continue to protect Philippine waters, based on the orders of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

“Patuloy ang parte ng modernization ng Coast Guard. Kasama diyan ang ating pag-uusap sa Japan para sa karagdagang barko, ang 97 meters, gayundin sa France for the 35 meters na fastcraft,” Supangan said.

(The Coast Guard’s part in modernization continues. That includes talks with Japans for additional 97 meter boats, as well as with France for 35 meter fastcraft.) —Jean Mangaluz/RF, GMA News