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Worrisome, PBBM says of Russian submarine in WPS

Philippine News Agency

By Filane Mikee Cervantes and Priam Nepomuceno
December 2, 2024, 1:10 pm Updated on December 2, 2024, 4:43 pm

MANILA -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday expressed alarm over the sighting of a Russian attack submarine in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), saying it is "very worrisome."

The submarine was first observed 80 nautical miles west of Cape Calavite in Occidental Mindoro on Nov. 28.

"That's very concerning. Any intrusion into the West Philippine Sea, of our EEZ (exclusive economic zone), of our baselines is very worrisome. Yes, it's just another one," Marcos said in a media interview.

"We will let the military discuss it with you, but I don't think it is a subject that we should... Let's just wish a Merry Christmas to all of these people," he said.

The "UFA-490" is part of the Improved Kilo II class diesel electric attack submarines produced by Russia.

It is equipped with six torpedo tubes, weighs around 2,350 to 3,950 tons, and has a top speed of 20 knots.

"Upon receiving the report, the Philippine Navy immediately deployed assets to monitor and address the situation, ensuring the security of Philippine waters," the AFP said in a statement, also on Monday.

It added that the missile frigate, BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150) which also has anti-submarine warfare capabilities, was sent and has established radio communications with the Russian submarine, which confirmed its identity, crew complement and navigational intent.

"The Russian vessel stated it was awaiting improved weather conditions before proceeding to Vladivostok, Russia. Philippine naval forces, including FF-150, escorted and monitored operations to ensure the submarine's compliance with maritime regulations within the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone," the AFP said.

The AFP reiterated 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," the AFP said.

Freedom of navigation

National Security Council (NSC) Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya, meanwhile, said the Russian submarine was exercising freedom of navigation.

"Let me just emphasize, na ito pong parte kung nasaan siya hindi siya territorial sea ng Pilipinas, nasa high seas siya, nasa exclusive economic zone, so technically the Russian ship is exercising freedom of navigation (Let me emphasize, the part where the Russian submarine was seen, it is not in the Philippines' territorial seas, it is in the high seas, in the exclusive economic zone, so technically the Russian ship was exercising freedom of navigation)," he said in a Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon briefing.

Malaya said the Russian submarine also immediately identified itself when it received a radio challenge.

It said it just finished conducting a passing exercise with the Royal Malaysian Navy off Kota Kinabalu and was heading back to its base in Vladivostok once the weather improved.

Malaya said the Navy's monitoring of "UFA 490" went off without any incident.

He added that the Russian submarine departed for its base later in the day.

Meanwhile, PN spokesperson for the WPS Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad said the exchange of information with the Russian submarine was friendly and even told the Navy where it was going.

He added that the Russian ship did not do anything aggressive during its passage.

Asked if there is a need for a foreign vessel to get permission before passing through Philippine waters, Trinidad said there is no need under freedom of navigation which is guaranteed by the United Nations Conventions on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Maritime security

Meanwhile, senators emphasized the critical importance of maritime security and diplomacy in the region.

"The presence of foreign military assets, especially those with offensive capabilities, increases the risk of misunderstandings and conflicts in an already sensitive region," Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada said.

Senator Joel Villanueva echoed concerns about the submarine's presence, underscoring the vital role of the Philippine Coast Guard and Navy in safeguarding territorial waters.

He emphasized the need for unity and proactive measures to protect national interests while advocating for diplomatic solutions to maintain regional peace.

"The enactment of the Maritime Zones Act (Republic Act 12064) and the Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act (RA 12065) provides us with stronger legal frameworks to defend our sovereignty," Villanueva said, adding that vigilance and international cooperation remain essential in addressing such challenges.

Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino, chair of the Special Committee on Philippine Maritime and Admiralty Zones, commended the swift actions by the Philippine Navy.

He called on the Department of Foreign Affairs to leverage RA 12064 and RA 12065 to assert the Philippines' maritime claims and jurisdiction on the global stage. (With a report from Wilnard Bacelonia/PNA)