Marcos on Russian submarine spotted in WPS: Very worrisome

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. expressed concern Monday over the Russian attack submarine that was spotted in the West Philippine Sea last week. 

"That's very concerning. Any intrusion into the West Philippine Sea, of our EEZ, of our baselines is very worrisome. Yes it's just another one," Marcos told reporters.

Marcos said he would let the Philippine military discuss the matter.

''We’ll let the military discuss it with you,'' he said.

Philippine Navy spokesperson for WPS Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad said they have monitored the presence of the Russian attack submarine.

He said the vessel was the Russian Navy's Ufa.

From Malaysia, the Russian attack submarine was first seen 80 nautical miles west off Occidental Mindoro on November 28.

The Philippine Navy immediately sent an aircraft and a warship to track the movement of the Russian vessel.

According to the Philippine Navy, the Ufa did not submerge as it moved slowly northward outside the Philippine territorial waters until the weekend.

The Philippine Navy added that the Russian vessel said it was "awaiting improved weather conditions before proceeding to Vladivostok, Russia."

It added that BRP Jose Rizal (FF150) was the one that "established radio communications with the submarine, which confirmed its identity, crew complement, and navigational intent."

The AFP also emphasized its unwavering commitment to safeguarding the country’s maritime sovereignty while maintaining professionalism in interactions with foreign naval vessels. 

''Our operations remain consistent with international maritime laws and demonstrate our dedication to regional peace and cooperation,'' it said.

GMA News Online reached out to the Russian Embassy for comment but it has yet to reply as of posting time.— AOL/RSJ, GMA Integrated News