NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
DND Hits Back At China's 'Farce' Remark Over Bajo De Masinloc
Photo credit: PCG
The Department of National Defense (DND) has fired back at China over its criticism of Philippine activities near Bajo de Masinloc, rejecting Beijing’s claim that the operations are a self-directed farce.
In a strongly worded statement, DND spokesperson Arsenio Andolong defended the country’s actions, saying these are part of routine and lawful operations within Philippine waters.
“Philippine operations in these waters are lawful, routine, and conducted in the exercise of the country’s sovereign rights and jurisdiction under international law,” Andolong said.
Bajo de Masinloc, also known as Scarborough Shoal, has long been a flashpoint between Manila and Beijing. The dispute intensified after a 2012 standoff that led to China maintaining a continued presence in the area, which lies within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.
The DND also pushed back against China’s criticism by pointing to what it described as ongoing harassment of Filipino fishermen.
“The real farce is the act of calling for peaceful engagement, while the fully armed and heftily funded People’s Liberation Army (Navy) is harassing our fisherfolks who are merely trying to make a living in their traditional fishing grounds,” Andolong added.
Tensions in the West Philippine Sea have remained high, with repeated encounters involving Chinese vessels and Philippine ships. In response, the Philippines has ramped up its so-called transparency strategy, publicly releasing photos and videos of incidents at sea.
China has criticized these disclosures, accusing Manila of escalating tensions—an allegation the DND rejected.
“It is also not surprising that the government of the People’s Republic of China is assailing the Philippines’ transparency strategy,” Andolong said. “After all, transparency is abhorred by those who twist the truth and manipulate narratives to legitimize their unlawful acts and baseless claims.”
The Philippines continues to anchor its position on the 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration, which invalidated China’s sweeping claims in the South China Sea. Beijing, however, does not recognize the decision.
Defense officials said documenting and sharing developments at sea is part of efforts to keep the public informed, especially on issues affecting Filipino fishermen and national security.
“The PRC’s illegal, coercive, aggressive, and deceptive activities in the West Philippine Sea are accurately documented and communicated to the public,” Andolong said.
Despite the tensions, the DND said the Philippines will continue asserting its rights under international law while calling out actions it believes threaten regional stability.
In a strongly worded statement, DND spokesperson Arsenio Andolong defended the country’s actions, saying these are part of routine and lawful operations within Philippine waters.
“Philippine operations in these waters are lawful, routine, and conducted in the exercise of the country’s sovereign rights and jurisdiction under international law,” Andolong said.
Bajo de Masinloc, also known as Scarborough Shoal, has long been a flashpoint between Manila and Beijing. The dispute intensified after a 2012 standoff that led to China maintaining a continued presence in the area, which lies within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.
The DND also pushed back against China’s criticism by pointing to what it described as ongoing harassment of Filipino fishermen.
“The real farce is the act of calling for peaceful engagement, while the fully armed and heftily funded People’s Liberation Army (Navy) is harassing our fisherfolks who are merely trying to make a living in their traditional fishing grounds,” Andolong added.
Tensions in the West Philippine Sea have remained high, with repeated encounters involving Chinese vessels and Philippine ships. In response, the Philippines has ramped up its so-called transparency strategy, publicly releasing photos and videos of incidents at sea.
China has criticized these disclosures, accusing Manila of escalating tensions—an allegation the DND rejected.
“It is also not surprising that the government of the People’s Republic of China is assailing the Philippines’ transparency strategy,” Andolong said. “After all, transparency is abhorred by those who twist the truth and manipulate narratives to legitimize their unlawful acts and baseless claims.”
The Philippines continues to anchor its position on the 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration, which invalidated China’s sweeping claims in the South China Sea. Beijing, however, does not recognize the decision.
Defense officials said documenting and sharing developments at sea is part of efforts to keep the public informed, especially on issues affecting Filipino fishermen and national security.
“The PRC’s illegal, coercive, aggressive, and deceptive activities in the West Philippine Sea are accurately documented and communicated to the public,” Andolong said.
Despite the tensions, the DND said the Philippines will continue asserting its rights under international law while calling out actions it believes threaten regional stability.
Mar 19, 2026
We are dedicated storytellers with a passion for bringing your brand to life. Our services range from news and media features to brand promotion and collaborations.
Interested? Visit our
Contact Us page for more information. To learn more about what we offer, check out our latest article on services and opportunities.
