AFP monitored four Chinese Navy ships at Balabac Strait

August 7, 2019

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) monitored four Chinese Navy vessels transiting Balabac Strait on June 17, a military official said Monday.

"At about 1:30 PM, our operating units were able to monitor one Chinese Navy Vessel transiting Balabac Strait that has been unresponsive in the succeeding challenges made by our operating unit," said AFP Western Command Chief Vice Admiral Rene Medina in a press conference in Palawan.

"At about 7:54 pm, another Chinese Navy vessel was monitored transiting at the vicinity waters of Balabac, Palawan. Said vessel responded to the radio challenge but did not disclose any information except its bow number," he added.

Medina said the Chinese Navy vessel was also complemented by two unresponsive Navy ships.

He said the military reported the incident to Camp Aguinaldo for appropriate action.

"This is also our basis for the recommendation to higher headquarters for the appropriate filling of the DFA for diplomatic protest," he said.

"We are very glad that the higher headquarters and the DFA were cognizant on these reports and have taken actions," he said. Robina Asido/DMS