FACT-CHECK: No standoff between Philippines, Malaysia over WPS, Sabah disputes

CLAIM: Tensions between Malaysia and Philippines arise over conflicting claims on the West Philippine Sea and Sabah.

RATING: FALSE

A YouTube video posted on Aug. 15 claimed that Philippine and Malaysian warships had a “fiery” confrontation over disputed waters.

The video, from Vietnamese-speaking channel “HDTV,” reframed the Aug. 11 collision of two Chinese vessels near Bajo de Masinloc as a military standoff between Asean neighbors.

Flagged Content: A YouTube upload by “HDTV” (Aug. 15) alleges a PH–Malaysia confrontation over “disputed waters.” A Malaysian channel, “INFO SPARK HUB,” amplified similar claims on Aug. 13.

Our Debunk:

No incidents of any military exchange between the Philippines and Malaysia have been reported.
The footage used in the misleading video came from Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson Jay Tariella’s Facebook post.
The Aug. 11 incident cited was a collision of two Chinese vessels near Bajo de Masinloc, not a PH–Malaysia standoff.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines, via its official Facebook page, slammed similar content echoing the same claim from a Malaysian YouTube channel, posted Aug. 13, and urged the public to verify information on the West Philippine Sea.
Similarly, the Royal Malaysia Navy through Facebook, has debunked the dubious claim.

Rewind:

Aug. 11: Collision of two Chinese vessels near Bajo de Masinloc.
Aug. 13: Malaysian YouTube channel “INFO SPARK HUB” echoed the false PH–Malaysia “standoff” claim.
Aug. 15: Vietnamese-speaking channel “HDTV” posted the video misframing the incident as a PH–Malaysia clash.
Claim backstory cites historic issues (Sabah, South China Sea) to make the false narrative sound plausible.

Why we fact-checked this: The claim recycles regional disputes to mislead viewers and inflame tensions. It was echoed by multiple channels within days of the Aug. 11 incident.

Spot The Fake:

Check if the footage source matches the claim (e.g., official posts by the PCG or AFP).
Verify dates and locations—does the video’s “incident” line up with credible reports?
Be wary of sensational framing (“fiery standoff”) that repackages unrelated clips.
Cross-check with official statements (AFP/PCG) before sharing. Hurt Allauigan

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