Two Chinese military aircraft intercepted a Philippine Air Force (PAF) maritime patrol plane over Scarborough Shoal, also known as Bajo de Masinloc, in the West Philippine Sea on Saturday, October 3, 2026, performing dangerous aerial maneuvers that created severe safety risks, military officials reported on Sunday.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) stated that a PAF Cessna C-208 turboprop was executing a routine patrol when it was approached by two Chinese military aircraft, one of which was identified as a J-16 strike fighter.
According to the AFP, the Chinese J-16 jet repeatedly closed in on the Philippine turboprop, maneuvering aggressively around it and flying directly ahead into its flight path.
“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,” the military said in a formal statement released Sunday afternoon. “These maneuvers posed an aviation safety risk.”
Despite the aggressive interception, the Philippine aircrew maintained operational discipline, exercised due caution under established international aviation protocols and safely completed the patrol mission before returning to base without further incident.
Military officials condemned the interception, characterizing it as a continuation of Beijing’s aggressive tactics against lawful Philippine operations within its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
“This incident is part of a recurring pattern of unsafe and coercive behavior against Philippine government vessels and aircraft conducting lawful operations,” the AFP said. “The AFP will continue to document and expose such actions that place Philippine personnel and assets at unnecessary risk.”
Reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding sovereign rights, the armed forces declared that regular aerial and maritime patrols across the West Philippine Sea will proceed uninterrupted despite persistent encounters with Chinese military assets.
“The AFP remains vigilant and will continue to prioritize the safety of its personnel and aircraft while carrying out its mandate,” the military concluded.