MANILA, Philippines—The Philippines may end up cutting diplomatic ties with China if the “collision” at the Recto Bank in the West Philippine Sea was done intentionally, Malacañang said Thursday.

In a Palace briefing, Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo noted that the incident in Recto Bank that placed 22 Filipino crewmen of FB Gimber 1 in danger, could be considered an act of “aggression” if proven to be intentional.

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“We will cut off diplomatic relations ‘yan ang unang ginagawa kapag mayroong mga aggressive acts,” Panelo said.

“Magdi-diplomatic protest ka. Kung hindi ka kuntento sa paliwanag nila at nakita natin na talagang sinadya e ibang usapan na ‘iyon,” he added.

The Philippine government, according to Foreign Affairs Secretary Teddy Boy Locsin, has already filed a diplomatic protest against China over the incident.

READ: China fishing vessel sinks Filipino boat after ‘collision’ in West Philippine Sea

READ: Locsin fires off diplomatic protest after ‘collision’ of Chinese, PH vessels

The Palace official pointed out that even the country is taking “calibrated” steps in dealing with the issue, the government “will not allow ourselves to be assaulted, to be bullied, to be the subject of such barbaric, uncivilized and outrageous actions from any source.”

The Philippines recently put its diplomatic relations with Canada in peril over the latter’s delay in taking back their garbage it illegally shipped to the country six years ago.

President Duterte even threatened to declare war if Canada failed to retake its trash which has been festering in Philippine ports.

Based on the Chief Executive’s action, Panelo said the Philippines may undertake “more severe” steps over the Recto Bank incident.

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He said China has yet to reach out to the Philippines over the issue. (Editor: Mike U. Frialde)

READ: ‘Chinese crew’s desertion of distressed fishermen a violation of maritime protocols’

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