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ZAMBOANGA CITY (MindaNews / 7 June) – The Philippine Navy sent a vessel to shadow two Chinese warships that were seen passing through Basilan Strait within the Zamboanga Peninsula on Thursday, Western Mindanao Command Chief Lt. Gen. William Gonzales said in a message meant to assure Zamboanga City residents who thought the passage was unusual.
The Naval Forces Western Mindanao described the two People’s Liberation Army Navy vessels as a training ship with bow number 83 and an amphibious transport dock with bow number 999.
“In accordance with standard operating procedure, the AFP dispatched BRP Domingo Deluana (PG-905) to shadow or monitor the passage of the two PLA Navy vessels. Our escorting vessel also issued a standard challenge to the Chinese warships,” the Armed Forces of the Philippines said in a statement.
“One of the vessels, Qi Jiquang (BN-83) responded that it was conducting normal navigation from its last port of call in Dili, Timor Leste en route to Dalian, China,” the AFP said.
Netizens from Basilan said they saw three Chinese naval ships.
The Basilan Strait, which connects the Sulu Sea to the Celebes Sea via the Moro Gulf, is recognized as an international sea lane where vessels from various nations may undertake innocent passage.
Article 19 of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea says a passage may be deemed innocent “so long as it is not prejudicial to the peace, good order or security of the coastal State.” (Frencie L. Carreon/MindaNews)
