AFP admits initial concern over Russian submarine spotted in WPS

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Tuesday said it was initially alarmed when the Russian attack submarine was detected in the West Philippine Sea last week. 

At a press conference, Philippine Navy spokesperson for the WPS Commodore Roy Trinidad pointed out that it was the first time that they spotted an attack submarine in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ) without prior notice. 

“Hence, our surprise, our alarm why there was a submarine in our EEZ. Previously, we have had submarines conduct port calls, but these had all the diplomatic clearances and arrangements prior to the arrival,” he told reporters. 

“But this time, I would like to highlight, it was the first time we spotted one and were able to respond using our own capabilities,” he added. 

According to the National Security Council, the Russian attack sub (UFA 490) was seen traveling on the surface 80 nautical miles west off the Occidental Mindoro coast on November 28 and eventually left in the afternoon.

The submarine claimed it came from an exercise with the Royal Malaysian Navy in Kota Kinabalu.

The Philippine Navy said its vessel, BRP Jose Rizal, then made a radio challenge to the Russian submarine where the latter said it was just waiting for the weather to improve before going back to its naval base in Vladivostok.

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. also expressed concern Monday over the presence of the Russian attack submarine.

In response, Trinidad said Marcos’ reaction was “understandable.” 

“The worry, the concern, the alarm was of the first instance of detecting a submarine. It's not everyday that you detect a submarine in our EEZ. It is understandable that even our men monitoring our sensors were surprised,” the Navy official said.

According to Trinidad, the submarine might have needed to recharge batteries, to receive fuel, or do some minor repairs. 

Meanwhile, AFP spokesperson Colonel Francel Padilla assured the public that the military organization is “fully capable” of addressing any threats to the country. 

“The public is assured that the Armed Forces of the Philippines remains vigilant and fully capable of addressing any potential threats, and we urge everyone to remain confident in our steadfast dedication to safeguarding our seas and upholding national security,” she said.

Other vessels in WPS

Moreover, Trinidad said that nearly 13,000 different vessels were monitored over the archipelago in November.

Of this number, 10,427 were foreign vessels and 2,365 were local vessels.

There were 58 Chinese Maritime Coast Guard and People's Liberation Army Navy vessels also detected in the West Philippine Sea. — AOL/VDV, GMA Integrated News