Chinese ships prompt increased patrols in southern waters

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — The presence of Chinese warships in the Sibutu Strait without coordination with the Philippine government has prompted increased naval patrols on the area, the chief of the military Western Mindanao Command said.

Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana said the presence of the five Chinese ships—two were spotted in July and another three were seen this August—has been reported to higher headquarters of Armed Forces of the Philippines so it can be addressed with counterparts in China.

The Westmincom commander said the ships were spotted during regular maritime and aerial patrols of Naval Forces Western Mindanao.

"The air and naval assets conduct patrols daily that’s why we counted the number (of warships) we spotted during the period of July and August," Sobejana said.

Sobejana said the Chinese ships in Philippine waters do not qualify as 'innocent passage' since that only applies to civilian ships following a sea lane.

"Now, this case, any military ships from other armed forces entering into our territory has to be coordinated in advance so that we can ensure their passage is safe and secure, and will not cause any alarm among our people because we have fishermen in that area," he said.

"When our fishermen see large ships from other countries, it will be alarming," he also said.

Meanwhile, the NFWM has been directed to intensify patrols in the waters off the southern Philippines.

“They have to continue to intensify our patrol ensuring that our sovereignty is being upheld,” he said.

Sobejana has requested more naval assets to patrol the southern border against piracy and against foreign terrorists who may try to slip through the country's maritime backdoor.

"Whether there is an incursion or none, we are determine to capacitate our forces in the southwestern frontier," Sobejana said.