Philippine Maritime Council Rules Out Navy Deployment to Panatag Shoal

The Philippines has ruled out deploying Navy warships to Scarborough (Panatag) Shoal despite recent Chinese provocations, including harassment of Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) missions and the presence of a Chinese warship and fighter jet in the area. National Maritime Council spokesperson Alexander Lopez emphasized that sending Navy vessels would be perceived as a 'warlike' and provocative act, potentially escalating tensions and leading to miscalculations or conflict. Instead, the government is maintaining the policy that civilian agencies such as the PCG and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources will continue to lead operations in the disputed waters. Lopez stressed that this approach is driven by prudence and practicality rather than weakness, aiming to avoid conflict that could harm both the Philippines and the region. The recent involvement of a 157-meter People's Liberation Army Navy warship in blocking PCG vessels and the subsequent collision between two Chinese ships highlight the volatility of the situation. Officials remain committed to avoiding escalation while upholding Philippine presence in the contested area.