By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Stressing that it remains vigilant in safeguarding the country’s sovereign rights, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Friday (21 June 2024) confirmed the passage of four People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) vessels through the Balabac Strait between Palawan and Borneo.
AFP Public Affairs Office chief Colonel Xerxes Trinidad disclosed that the PLAN destroyer Luyang III (DDG-168) and frigate Jiangkai II (FFG-570) were spotted in the strait heading southwest at 13 knots at 1:49 p.m. on June 19.
Two other PLAN vessels – the destroyer Renhai (CG-105) and the replenishment oiler Fuchi (AOR-907) – were monitored moving southwest through the strait at 15 knots at 3:56 p.m., he added.
‘Our capability to monitor and respond to such activities is a testament to our commitment to maritime domain awareness and the protection of our territory, sovereignty, and sovereign rights. Rest assured, the AFP remains vigilant in safeguarding our maritime interests,” Trinidad emphasized.
He pointed out that as part of the standard operating procedure, the Chinese Navy vessels were challenged.
Trinidad said the ships had responded accordingly.
(el Amigo/mnm)
