National Security Adviser Secretary Eduardo Año sees no need for the Philippine military involvement in the recent harassment of China on Philippine ships and aircraft in Bajo de Masinloc.

Año said we haven’t seen anything that would trigger the military to come in so far.

NSC adviser expressed hope that the situation in Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough/Panatag Shoal) will not escalate instead opted to promoted the use of diplomatic efforts and bilateral consultation mechanism to ease the tension instead.

“Hopefully naman ay hindi mag-e-escalate ito. Remember, meron tayong mga diplomatic efforts. Also, meron ding bilateral consultation mechanism. Dapat yan muna yung ating mga primary means para ma-resolve itong differences na ito,” he said.

“So, huwag, hindi tayo magpapanimula ng anumang escalation. Although we are ready to defend our country when the time comes,” he added.

Meanwhile, based on the data from the Philippine Navy, a total of seven China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels and 13 Chinese maritime militia vessels were spotted in Bajo de Masinloc as of Tuesday.

The Chinese presence in the area has increased since August 4.

On Wednesday, a Chinese fighter jet intercepted and conducted dangerous maneuvers against a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) aircraft near Bajo de Masinloc.

Earlier on Monday, several Chinese vessels also harassed Philippine vessels by using a water cannon, performing dangerous maneuvers, and shadowing.

People’s Liberation Army Navy ship 164 and CCG vessel 3104 collided while they were chasing PCG’s BRP Suluan.

The CCG vessel sustained substantial damage, rendering it unseaworthy, while the flagpole of the PCG vessel was also damaged.