The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has expressed optimism that the dozens of Indonesian sailors on board a submarine that went missing off the waters of Bali would go home anytime soon.
Indonesian submarine KRI Nanggala 402, with 53 sailors on board, reportedly disappeared last Wednesday during a military exercise off the coast of Bali.
"The Armed Forces of the Philippines joins its Indonesian brothers and sisters in praying for the safety of the crew members of its stricken submarine," said General Cirilito Sobejana, AFP Chief of Staff.
"Our thoughts are with the Indonesian sailors and their families in this difficult time," he added.
Indonesian authorities have launched a massive search and rescue operation but hopes of getting the sailors back alive were getting slimmer as the submarine reportedly has enough oxygen to last for three days only or until Saturday.
The United States and Australia have joined in the search for the missing submarine and its crew.
The submarine reportedly lost contact with the Indonesian military moments after it sought permission to dive during a training exercise.
An investigation is expected to be conducted to determine the exact reason why the submarine failed to resurface but a reported oil spill at the location of the sinking indicated that its fuel tank was possibly damaged.
"We believe in the fortitude of the Indonesian service members and we have faith that they will be rescued in good health and will return to their loved ones," Sobejana said.