MANILA, Philippines — A Philippine Air Force (PAF) C-208 maritime patrol aircraft safely completed its flight near Bajo de Masinloc on Saturday despite aggressive tactics by a Chinese fighter jet that military officials warned created significant aviation hazards.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reported in a statement released Sunday, October 4, that the C-208 was carrying out a standard flight over the area on October 3 when it was intercepted by two Chinese military aircraft, including a J-16 fighter jet.
According to military officials, the Chinese J-16 repeatedly executed high-risk maneuvers around the PAF plane. The jet cut directly in front of and circled the C-208 before briefly trailing close behind it inside the turboprop’s wake turbulence.
The AFP noted that these actions “posed an aviation safety risk,” directly threatening the lives of the aircrew during what the military described as a legitimate maritime patrol over the shoal, also known as Scarborough or Panatag Shoal.
Despite the high-risk encounter, the PAF flight crew exercised caution, successfully completed their assignment, and landed without incident. Officials confirmed no injuries were reported and the aircraft suffered no structural damage.
“The Philippine aircrew remained professional and exercised due caution in accordance with established aviation procedures,” the AFP said.
Military leaders characterized the intercept as part of a wider, “recurring pattern of unsafe and coercive behavior” by Chinese military assets directed at Philippine sea and air vessels operating within sovereign rights.
The AFP affirmed that it will continue to document and archive all similar risky interactions to highlight actions that needlessly endanger Philippine personnel and assets.
Located roughly 124 nautical miles off the coast of Zambales, Bajo de Masinloc falls well within the Philippines’ 200-nautical-mile Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
The military reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining regular air and maritime patrols over the territory regardless of actions taken by foreign forces.
“The AFP remains vigilant and will continue to prioritize the safety of its personnel and aircraft while carrying out its mandate,” the military said.