PH Navy vessel avoids collision with Chinese warship in WPS

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Navy ship BRP Benguet (LS-507) avoided a potential collision after a dangerous maneuver by a Chinese missile frigate while it was conducting a routine operation near Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) on March 25, according to the Armed Forces of the Philippines in a statement late Thursday. The AFP Western Command (Wescom) said the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) missile frigate has the bow/pennant number 532. "While conducting lawful operations, BRP Benguet encountered the PLAN vessel, which executed an unsafe and unprofessional maneuver by closing in and passing at a dangerously close distance," it said. Wescom said such dangerous maneuvers are provocative and constitute a clear violation of the Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea. "Despite this, the measured and decisive actions of LS-507 effectively prevented escalation while ensuring the safety of all personnel on board," it added. Likewise, Wescom called on the PLAN to adhere to established international rules and norms to prevent incidents at sea. It also added that it will continue to perform its lawful maritime operations with professionalism and resolve in exercising the country’s sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction in the WPS.

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