MANILA – Malacañang on Monday stressed that there is no stopping Philippine planes from flying over South China Sea, after another Philippine military aircraft flying over the disputed waters was shooed away by the Chinese.

International news agencies CNN and BBC were given last Friday a rare chance to board a US Navy P-8A Poseidon reconnaissance plane and fly over the Spratly island chain.

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The reports showed the exchanges between the two militaries, which the US crewmen said were normal occurrences in the area.

The US plane was warned 6 times by the Chinese.

“US military aircraft, this is China. Leave immediately and keep out to avoid any misunderstanding,” a voice said.

The reports also captured a warning from the Chinese to a nearby Philippine plane. The man on the radio had a more threatening tone.

“Philippine military aircraft, I’m warning you again. Leave immediately or you will bear responsibility for all the consequences!” a voice said.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said he did not yet have a full report on the incident, but he said the Chinese “will not stop us.”

“We will continue with our flights. We will assert our sovereignty. And if need be Filipino pilots will die for our sovereignty,” Roque said in a press briefing.

Since assuming the presidency, Duterte has sought to downplay Manila’s maritime dispute with Beijing in exchange for improved ties with the world’s second largest economy.

Duterte has also refused to flaunt the Philippines’ victory against China in a United Nations-backed arbitration court in 2016 which invalidated Beijing’s expansive claim to the waters.

Duterte’s predecessor, former President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino, initiated the case against China but the ruling was handed down less than a month after the incumbent assumed power.

Duterte and foreign affairs chief Alan Peter Cayetano have drawn criticism for Manila’s policy towards China.

But Duterte defended his approach, saying Manila cannot yet stand up to Beijing which is far superior militarily and economically.

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