A NATIONAL security expert has described as an act of intimidation the reported deployment of flares by Chinese forces near a patrolling Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) aircraft in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) on April 6.
“This is a clear act of intimidation. No nation asserting its lawful rights should be met with actions that endanger lives,” said Jose Antonio Goitia in an interview on Tuesday.
Goitia is chairman emeritus of several advocacy groups, including Alyansa ng Bantay sa Kapayapaan at Demokrasya and the Filipinos Do Not Yield Movement.
The PCG aircraft was on a routine maritime patrol near Panganiban (Mischief) Reef and Zamora (Subi) Reef when it reportedly encountered flares deployed in its vicinity, an action authorities said placed the aircraft in a potentially hazardous situation. No damage or injuries were reported.
Officials said the patrol was part of regular monitoring operations in the WPS aimed at asserting Philippine jurisdiction and safeguarding Filipino fishermen operating in the area.
The reported aerial encounter comes amid continued tensions in disputed waters, where the Philippines has previously documented incidents involving close maneuvering by foreign vessels, water cannon use, and laser pointing directed at Philippine assets.
The incident followed the recent inauguration of a PCG base on Pag-asa Island, a development aimed at strengthening maritime presence and improving response capabilities in the area.
Goitia said such developments reflect the country’s continued assertion of its rights in the WPS despite rising external pressure, stressing the importance of sustained presence in the region.
“Sovereignty is not defended by words alone. It is defended by presence, by resolve, and by the willingness to stand firm,” he added.
The WPS remains a long-standing point of tension, with recurring maritime encounters between Philippine and foreign vessels in recent years.
