The Armed
Forces of the Philippines (AFP)reports that at least four Chinese navy vessels
passed through Philippine waters in June, it ignored radio warnings made by
local authorities.
The Armed
Forces' Western Command (WesCom) in a statement revealed that a Chinese Navy
vessel first transited Balabac Strait in Palawan on June 17, at around 1:30 p.m.
WesCom
motes that the Chinese vessel was "unresponsive in the succeeding
challenges made by our operating unit." A little before 8 p.m. that same
day, another Chinese ship was seen in waters off Balabac.
DND Dec. Delfin Lorenzana (photo credit to owner) |
"Said vessel responded to the radio
challenge but did not disclose any information except its bow number,"
Medina said. He said it was accompanied by two more "unresponsive"
Navy vessels.
"This is also our basis for the
recommendation to higher headquarters for the appropriate filling of the DFA
(Department of Foreign Affairs) for diplomatic protest. And we are very glad
that the higher headquarters and the DFA were cognizant on these reports and
have taken actions," he added.
Department
of National Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana earlier said that it seems the
Chinese warships deliberately tried
to avoid being detected by Philippine authorities, while sailing through Sibutu
Strait at least four times since February with their automatic identification
system (AIS) turned off.
As per the
International Maritime Organization, all ships of at least 300 gross tonnage is
required to carry AIS that, which would send the ships' information to other
vessels and coastal authorities.
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Report from CNN Phils
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