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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Senators raise concern over presence of Russian submarine in Occidental Mindoro

Senators raise concern over presence of Russian submarine in Occidental Mindoro

Published Dec 2, 2024 07:24 am

Senators have expressed concern over the Russian attack submarine that was monitored in Occidental Mindoro last week.

AFP UFA RUSSIA.jpg
Russian submarine Ufa 490 is detected by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and escorted by the Philippine Navy while transiting the West Philippine Sea on Nov. 28, 2024. (AFP photo)

According to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), a Russian diesel-electric attack submarine has been monitored in Occidental Mindoro last week before it surfaced in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

The Navy immediately deployed assets to monitor and address the situation to ensure the security of Philippine waters, according to Rear Adm. Roy Vincent Trinidad, AFP spokesperson for WPS.

Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada said that the situation is concerning, raising significant questions about the stability and security of the country's already volatile maritime domain, "which is a flashpoint for geopolitical tensions."

"The presence of foreign military assets, especially those with offensive capabilities, increases the risk of misunderstandings and conflicts in an already sensitive region," Estrada said in a statement.

"We urge the relevant authorities—the Department of National Defense, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and the Department of Foreign Affairs—to take immediate action and clarify the intentions behind this incursion," he added.

Senator Joel Villanueva said that its presence is "truly concerning" and that it underscores the need for heightened vigilance in safeguarding our territorial waters. He thanked the Philippine Coast Guard and the Philippine Navy for their unwavering commitment as the guardians of the Philippine seas, ensuring the safety and security of the country's maritime territory.

"With the recent enactment of the Maritime Zones Act and the Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act, we now have stronger legal tools to assert and protect our sovereignty over our waters," he said.

"We must remain vigilant, united, and proactive in defending our national interests, while fostering diplomatic efforts to maintain peace and stability in the region," he added.

Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino lauded the immediate action undertaken by the Philippine Navy.

"Our Navy tracked the movement of the said vessel until it sailed out of Philippine waters," he said.

Pending the outcome of diplomatic inquiries on this incident, Tolentino said he believes that the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) should continue to make known to the international community about the serious efforts of the Philippines to consolidate its claim and jurisdiction over its maritime zones and territorial waters.

"Most notable of these is the recent signing of the two landmark laws which I authored and defended, the Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act (RA 12065), and the Philippine Maritime Zones Act (RA 12064)," he added. 

Related Tags

Philippine Navy Senator Francis Tolentino Senator Joel Villanueva Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Senator Jinggoy Estrada
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