The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) decried the Chinese air force's "dangerous and provocative actions" over Bajo de Masinloc, or Scarborough Shoal.
The People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) dropped flares in the path of Philippine aircraft NC-212i during a routine maritime patrol at around 9 AM, according to the AFP's statement released on Saturday, August 10.
"The incident posed a threat to Philippine Air Force aircraft and its crew, interfered with lawful flight operations in airspace within Philippine sovereignty and jurisdiction, and contravened international law and regulations governing safety of aviation," the statement reads.
The pilots and crew of NC-212i made it safely to Clark Air Base an hour after the incident, None were harmed.
The incident has already been reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and other government agencies concerned.
"We reaffirm our commitment to exercise our rights in accordance with international law, particularly UNCLOS and the Chicago convention," AFP Chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said.
