Manila: The Philippine government has declared that it holds no responsibility for the collision between two Chinese vessels in the waters of Bajo de Masinloc, also known as Scarborough Shoal. This statement was issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) after the incident involving the China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel 3104 and the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) ship 164. The collision occurred on August 11 during a high-speed chase involving the Philippine Coast Guard vessel BRP Suluan.

According to Philippines News Agency, DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro emphasized in a statement that the Philippines is not accountable for the collision between the PLAN and CCG ships. The BRP Suluan was supporting a mission to deliver supplies to local fishermen when the CCG vessel executed a hazardous maneuver, resulting in the collision with the PLAN warship. This incident left the CCG vessel significantly damaged and unseaworthy.

Yang Xiao, a maritime expert from the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, suggested that the Philippines should assume responsibility for the incident, labeling the Filipino vessel as the provocateur. Quoted by the Global Times, Yang asserted that China reserves the right to demand compensation. However, DFA spokesperson Angelica Escalona confirmed that no such demand has been received from the Chinese government.

Bajo de Masinloc is recognized as a crucial part of Philippine territory. The Stratbase ADR Institute highlighted the incident as a pressing reminder of the need to uphold international law and defend the rules-based order. Victor Andres Manhit, the institute's president, criticized China's actions as disregarding legal frameworks like the 2016 Arbitral Award, undermining international peace and stability.

Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros accused China of disseminating false narratives to obscure the collision between its vessels in the West Philippine Sea. She criticized Beijing for censoring the truth and spreading propaganda to cover the incident. Hontiveros urged China to compensate nearly PHP20 billion for environmental damages, a proposal she intends to refile in the upcoming Congress.