The Department of Foreign Affairs poinedt out that the Philippines has nothing to do with the collision of two Chinese ships in Bajo de Masinloc last Aug. 11.

In a statement, DFA asserted that the two vessels China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel 3104 and People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) ship 164 collided while pursuing Philippine Coast Guard patrol boat BRP Suluan  (MRRV 4406), that had been distributing aid to fisherfolk near Bajo de Masinloc.

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

Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela, believes the Chinese vessels planned to block BRP Suluan but miscalculated their courses.

The collision caused heavy damage to the China Coast Guard ship’s bow.

DFA said PCG offered to provide medical aid and tow the damaged Chinese vessel out of the area but received no response.

In an earlier statement, condemned the act, saying the “actions not only posed a grave danger to Philippine personnel and vessels, but also resulted in the unfortunate collision between the two Chinese vessels.”

Meanwhile, DFA once again demanded compensation from China for damage caused by the clash between Chinese and Philippine vessels near the Spratly Islands on June 17, 2024.

It also demanded “the return of its firearms and equipment, and the personal effects of its personnel that were illegally seized on that date.”

CCG destroyed two motorboats and the belongings of some Philippine Navy officers, according to AFP.

Navy seaman Jeffrey Facundo also had to have his thumb reattached after that clash.

The Philippines, last year, demanded P60 million in compensation from the giant country, the return of seven firearms, and the reimbursement of Facundo’s medical expenses.

China’s aggression in the West Philippine Sea continues despite the 2016 arbitral ruling invalidating its claim over a large part of the South China Sea.