(Eagle News)–The Palace on Thursday, Aug. 15, expressed concern over the unauthorized passage of Chinese warships on Sibutu Strait.
According to Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo, “I don’t think that this is an act of friendship.”
Lt. General Cirilito Sobejana, head of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Western Mindanao Command, had said two Chinese warships were seen in Sibutu Strait near Tawi-Tawi in July while three were seen in August.
Sobejana had said the vessels’ passage was not innocent.
“Ang innocent passage kasi following the sea lanes of communications, straight line. Pagka medyo nag-korba ka, that is no longer considered as innocent passage,” he said.
Panelo said the Department of Foreign Affairs will respond to the incident, but he did not specify what this move was.
Earlier, President Rodrigo Duterte said he would raise the issue of the South China Sea with China President Xi Jinping when the former Davao mayor visits the Asian country this month.
The DFA has filed diplomatic protests over the swarming of Chinese vessels near Pag-Asa Island, and the presence of Chinese survey ships in the country’s territorial waters without prior consent from Manila.
