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The Armed Forces of the Philippines reports the presence of Chinese vessels in Iroquois and Sabina, posing threat to Recto Bank security. Western Command Armed Forces of the Philippines/File

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SOUTH CHINA SEA

Bianca Dava

ABS-CBN News

<p>The Armed Forces of the Philippines on Friday said it monitored four People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy vessels transiting within 12 nautical miles off Palawan this week.  </p><p>The AFP identified the four vessels as the PLAN destroyer Luyang III (DDG-168), the frigate Jiangkai II (FFG-570), the destroyer Renhai (CG-105), and the replenishment oiler Fuchi (AOR-907), which were all headed southwest of the Balabac Strait on Wednesday.</p><p>According to the AFP, the vessels were challenged and “they responded accordingly.”</p><p>The military added that international vessels usually pass through the Balabac Strait.</p><p>“Our capability to monitor and respond to such activities is a testament to our commitment to maritime domain awareness and the protection of our territory, sovereignty, and sovereign rights. Rest assured, the AFP remains vigilant in safeguarding our maritime interests,” the military said in a statement.</p><p>Earlier this week, the Philippines alleged the Chinese r<span id="isPasted" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);letter-spacing:normal;orphans:2;text-align:start;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;white-space:normal;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-color:initial;display:inline !important;float:none">ammed and boarded Filipino navy boats in a violent confrontation in which a Filipino sailor lost a thumb off Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea. </span></p><div><span id="isPasted"><a href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/2024/6/20/senate-probe-on-latest-philippines-china-sea-clash-743">Senate probe on latest Philippines-China sea clash sought</a></span></div><p>Footage released by the Philippine military late Wednesday showed small boats crewed by Chinese sailors shouting, waving knives and using sticks to hit an inflatable boat as a siren blares.</p><div><ivs-player data-ivs-key="e8c22c015ca9eafa76f1e3edfa03c603" data-ivs-spid="3001339" data-ivs-vid="3057582"></ivs-player></div><script src="https://player.ivideosmart.com/ivsplayer/v4/dist/js/loader.js"></script><p style="margin:1em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;-webkit- text-size-adjust:100%;box-sizing:border-box;line-height:1.3;letter-spacing:normal;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);orphans:2;text-align:start;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;white-space:normal;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-color:initial">Monday&#x27;s incident was the latest in a series of escalating confrontations between Chinese and Philippine ships in recent months as Beijing steps up efforts to push its claims to the disputed area.</p><p>The United States has said that &quot;an armed attack&quot; against Philippine public vessels, aircraft, armed forces and coastguard anywhere in the South China Sea would require it to come to Manila&#x27;s defence as a treaty ally.</p><p>US Secretary of State Antony Blinken &quot;emphasized that (China&#x27;s) actions undermine regional peace and stability&quot; in a call with his Philippine counterpart Enrique A. Manalo on Wednesday, according to the State Department.</p><p>Blinken said they also &quot;underscored the United States&#x27; ironclad commitments to the Philippines under our Mutual Defense Treaty&quot;.</p><div><a href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/world/2024/6/19/china-s-salami-slicing-strategy-against-philippines-in-disputed-sea-1515">China&#x27;s &#x27;salami-slicing strategy&#x27; vs Philippines </a></div><div><br/></div><div><span dir="ltr" id="isPasted"></span></div><div><strong>US-PHILIPPINE DRILLS</strong></div><p><br/>The Marine Aviation Support Activity or MASA 2024, the biggest military drills so far between the marine corps of the Philippines and the United States, officially concluded on Friday.</p><p>A ceremony for the closing of the three-week bilateral exercise was held at Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City.</p><p>A total of 3,175 personnel participated in the exercises held in Ilocos Norte, Pampanga, Zambales, Metro Manila, Cavite and Palawan from June 3 to 21.</p><p>Of this figure, 975 came from the Philippine Marine Corps, Marine Reservists, Philippine Air Force, Philippine Coast Guard and Naval Air Wing, while 2,200 came from the US Marine Corps, US Army, US Special Forces and US Air Force.</p><p>The exercises included the Joint Interagency Air Operations and Special Operations SMEE, Heavy Equipment Operation, Tactical Combat Casualty Care, Martial Arts Demonstration, Short Bay Range Exercise, Littoral Live Fire Exercise, Maritime Key Terrain Security, and Amphibious Air Support Operation. </p><div><a href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/2024/6/19/us-to-stand-by-philippines-amid-china-s-provocative-actions-pentagon-951">US to stand by Philippines amid China&#x27;s &#x27;provocative&#x27; actions — Pentagon</a></div><p>The PMC and USMC also conducted their first-ever Female Symposium.</p><p>Philippine Navy Flag Officer in Command Vice Admiral Toribio Adaci, who served as the guest of honor and speaker, said the exercise significantly enhanced the interoperability of the PMC and USMC.</p><p> The collaborative efforts during MASA furthered the marines’ fighting proficiency and honed their abilities to carry out critical tasks effectively, he added.</p><p> “One of the most remarkable aspects of MASA 2024 has been the diverse participation of various forces from both the Philippines and the United States. The involvement of such diverse forces has enriched our training experience and showcased the strength and versatility of our collective capabilities, allowing us to learn from each other and integrate different methodologies and practices,” Adaci said in his speech during the closing ceremony.</p><p>“Overall, this exercise has demonstrated our ability to operate as one cohesive unit, prepared to face any challenge,” he continued.</p><div><ivs-player data-ivs-key="e8c22c015ca9eafa76f1e3edfa03c603" data-ivs-spid="3001339" data-ivs-vid="3057626"></ivs-player></div><script src="https://player.ivideosmart.com/ivsplayer/v4/dist/js/loader.js"></script>

<p>The Armed Forces of the Philippines on Friday said it monitored four People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy vessels transiting within 12 nautical miles off Palawan earlier this week. </p>

The Armed Forces of the Philippines on Friday said it monitored four People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy vessels transiting within 12 nautical miles off Palawan earlier this week.

4 Chinese warships spotted off Balabac Island in Palawan — AFP

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4 Chinese warships spotted off Balabac Island in Palawan — AFP

Bianca Dava,

ABS-CBN News

Published Jun 21, 2024 01:35 PM PHT

Read More:

Palawan

Balabac

PLA Navy

Chinese warships

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