In a vigilant operation off Bajo de Masinloc in the West Philippine Sea, the Philippine Navy’s guided-missile frigate BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150) has been closely monitoring three Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) ships. The observation took place on Monday, February 3, 2025, as part of a routine maritime and sovereignty patrol conducted by the Naval Forces Northern Luzon (NFNL). A sailor aboard the BRP Jose Rizal was seen maintaining a sharp lookout on an unidentified Chinese naval vessel.
The NFNL reported that the Filipino frigate was approximately 57 nautical miles southeast of Bajo de Masinloc when it encountered the PLAN ships. The BRP Jose Rizal issued radio challenges to the Chinese vessels, including a Jiangkai II-class frigate named ‘Dali’ (FFG-553), to warn them off. This action was part of a mission directed by the Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom).
The presence of the PLAN ships in the area is seen by the NFNL as a blatant disregard for international law, which they believe undermines regional peace and stability. The NFNL remains committed to conducting lawful maritime operations and challenging the unauthorized presence of Chinese vessels within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.