AFP says Chinese J-16 fighter flew too close to PH aircraft over Bajo de Masinloc

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An Armed Forces of the Philippines aircraft encountered two Chinese military aircraft during a routine patrol over the West Philippine Sea, with at least one of the Chinese planes flying too close in an "unsafe" manner.

In a statement on Sunday, AFP Public Affairs Office Chief Colonel Xerxes Trinidad said that the incident occurred on Friday, October 3.

"[A]n AFP C-208 aircraft conducting a routine maritime patrol over the vicinity of Bajo de Masinloc encountered two Chinese military aircraft on 03 October 2026. One of the aircraft was identified as a J-16 fighter aircraft," he said.

"During the encounter, the J-16 repeatedly approached and maneuvered in close proximity to the Philippine aircraft, including maneuvering ahead of and around it and positioning itself within the Philippine aircraft’s wake. These maneuvers posed an aviation safety risk."

Trinidad said that the AFP aircraft was able to complete its patrol and return without incident. However, he said that the incident was "part of a recurring pattern of unsafe and coercive behavior against Philippine government vessels and aircraft conducting lawful operations."

Trinidad said that the AFP will continue to conduct routine maritime and air patrols in the West Philippine Sea. "The AFP remains vigilant and will continue to prioritize the safety of its personnel and aircraft while carrying out its mandate," he added.

Also on Sunday, Chinese vessels obstructed a law enforcement operation against a foreign fishing vessel suspected of dynamite fishing near Pag-asa Island.

The operation involved personnel from the Philippine Coast Guard, the Philippine Navy and the Philippine National Police Maritime Group responding to a report of suspected blast fishing near Sandy Cays 2 and 3, about three nautical miles west of Pag-asa.

The PCG said two China Coast Guard vessels sounded their horns, radio-challenged the Philippine team and later shadowed and blocked its boats. A People's Liberation Army Navy helicopter also circled above the Philippine personnel four times. — BM, GMA News