PLAN Frigate 532 Makes Dangerous Maneuver Against BRP Benguet Near Pag-asa Island

Philippine Navy landing ship BRP Benguet (LS-507) was conducting a routine maritime operation near Pag-asa Island (Thitu Island) in the Spratly Islands on March 25 when PLAN missile frigate 532 'executed an unsafe and unprofessional maneuver by closing in and passing at a dangerously close distance,' according to AFP Western Command (WESCOM). Col. Nep Padua called the action 'intentional' and cited violations of COLREGs (International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea). The near-collision came just three weeks after a separate PLAN warship used fire-control radar against BRP Miguel Malvar at Sabina Shoal on March 7. China issued a counter-statement on March 28 claiming the Philippine vessel 'ignored repeated radio warnings and altered course at close range,' characterizing Manila's account as 'dangerous and unprofessional.' The AFP rejected China's version of events.