Makati city: Chinese maritime forces are "under pressure" to prevent Philippine vessels from entering Bajo de Masinloc (BdM) following the collision of two Chinese ships in the area last month, National Security Adviser (NSA) Eduardo A±o said Thursday. The incident, which reportedly resulted in the death of two Chinese personnel, has brought significant scrutiny to the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) and the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG).

According to Philippines News Agency, A±o, during an interview in Makati City, explained that the collision has caused embarrassment for the Chinese military forces, leading to increased pressure to restrict Philippine access to the shoal. "I think they are actually under pressure to prevent our vessels from coming into the shoal because they have a lot of explaining to do back home in Beijing," he stated.

The collision occurred on August 11 when two Chinese vessels crashed while pursuing a Philippine Coast Guard vessel engaged in routine humanitarian operations for Filipino fishermen in Bajo de Masinloc. China has yet to confirm the fatalities, but A±o noted reports indicating at least two deaths and one missing individual. "The Chinese are not confirming it, but what we heard from reports, at least two were confirmed dead and, I think, there's still one missing," he remarked, adding that it is up to Chinese authorities to verify the casualty numbers.

A±o further mentioned that the incident has led to questions about the capability and competence of the CCG and PLAN. "They are reeling still from that embarrassment, and so they're trying to do things that would prevent at all costs our vessels to come into the shoal," he stated. Despite these pressures, A±o emphasized that such efforts by China will not deter the Philippines' determination to maintain its presence in Bajo de Masinloc, also known as Scarborough Shoal. "We will be there. That's the order of the President (Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.). We will not back down. We will continue to be there," he affirmed.