PH SHIPS SHADOWED BY CHINESE VESSELS IN WEST PH SEA – AFP

CHINESE vessels shadowed the Filipino naval ships that joined the second Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) with the United States in the West Philippine Sea.

AFP spokesperson Col. Xerxes Trinidad made the confirmation Thursday.

Philippine vessels that participated in the joint maritime patrol with US Indo Pacific Command from January 3 to 4 consist of the offshore patrol vessels BRP Gregorio Del Pilar (PS-15), BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS-16), and the landing dock, BRP Davao Del Sur (LD-602).

The military official said China should respect Philippine sovereignty and right to conduct activities in the region.

”The MCA is well within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone. We are hoping that China and other foreign countries will respect our sovereignty and right to conduct the activity that is following international law,” Trinidad said.

At the time of the shadowing, Trinidad said one of the guided missile destroyers of the US carrier battle group was present.

“As long as they (Chinese vessels) do not interfere or do dangerous maneuvers against our vessels, we will be proceeding as planned and I think we are doing well,” Trinidad said.

He added that there were no untoward incidents that happened during the ongoing maritime activity.

“Everything went well naman po at there is no untoward incident that happened during the conduct of the MCA, although there were delays everything went well,” he said.

Meanwhile, Trinidad said that the Philippines would be increasing its participation on this kind of joint patrol exercises with the US.

AFP Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr. said the  2nd maritime cooperative activity marks a significant leap in our alliance and interoperability with the United States.

“It also demonstrates our progress in defense capabilities and development as a world-class armed force, as we carry out our mandate to protect the people and the state,”  said Brawner.

“Our alliance is stronger than ever, sending a message to the world. We are advancing a rules-based international order and a free and open Indo-Pacific region in the face of regional challenges,” he added

The Philippines’ first MCA with the US took place on November 21 to 23 last year.