(INQUIRER) MANILA, Philippines — The existence of Russian attack submarine in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) “increases the risk of misunderstandings and conflicts” in an already sensitive region, Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada said on Monday.
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Estrada, head of the Senate panel on national defense and security, also called on the Department of National Defense, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to take immediate action and clarify the intentions behind what he called “incursion.”
“This situation is concerning, raising significant questions about the stability and security of our already volatile maritime domain, which is a flashpoint for geopolitical tensions,” he said.
“The presence of foreign military assets, especially those with offensive capabilities, increases the risk of misunderstandings and conflicts in an already sensitive region,” he added.Article continues after this advertisement
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said he views the reported sighting of a Russian attack submarine in the WPS as “worrisome.”Article continues after this advertisement
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The AFP has confirmed that a Russian attack submarine identified as UFA 490 was sighted 80 nautical miles west of Cape Calavite, Occidental Mindoro.
It said the Philippine Navy immediately deployed assets to monitor and address the situation, ensuring the security of Philippine waters.
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