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‘Standard challenge’ vs 2 Ch warships seen in Basilan Strait
By J.Lo
“In accordance with standard operating procedure, AFP dispatched BRP Domingo Deluana (PG-905) to shadow/monitor passage of two PLA Navy vessels…our escorting vessel also issued standard challenge to Chinese warships, ”Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) issued “standard challenge” to vessels of China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy which was seen traversing in Basilan and Zamboanga Peninsula.
According to state-media reports, AFP monitored training ship and amphibious transport dock of PLA Navy passed through Basilan Strait on Thursday.
“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,” it stressed.
In naval operations, standard challenge is method employed to identify unknown or approaching vessels, aircraft or individuals to ascertain whether they are friend or foe.
This method usually consists of series of predefined actions and responses designed to ensure security and prevent unauthorized access.
Total of three naval vessels were observed passing through said waters.
AFP also stated Basilan Strait is acknowledged as an international sea lane that permits innocent passage of ships from different countries.
This has been first documented by Facebook user on Wednesday shows three “gray ships” traversing Zamboanga Peninsula.
In video, Philippine Navy can be heard issuing radio challenge on the vessel, asking its next port of call.
Another Facebook user also documented passing of same ships near Pilas Island in Basilan.
However, in this video, vessel were clearly identified as Duludao-class dispatch ship Dong-Jiao 93 of the Chinese Navy was spotted.
China has longstanding history of intruding into Philippine waters, including West Philippine Sea, despite these areas being within its exclusive economic zone.
Despite Permanent Court of Arbitration’s July 2016 ruling that nullifies China’s nine-dash line in South China Sea, it still refused to accept ruling and continued to patrol and maintain control over various features within said region.
On Tuesday, Philippine Navy challenged Chinese Navy after it conducted illegal unilateral drills at Escoda Shoal despite presence of Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
On Friday, PCG also said its Chinese counterpart, Chinese Coast Guard (CCG), blocked medical evacuation of sick personnel of Philippine Navy stationed in BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin shoal.
PCG said CCG vessel rammed Philippine Navy Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat while transporting sick personnel.
“Barbaric and inhumane behavior displayed by China Coast Guard has no place in our society…what should have been simple medical evacuation operation was subjected to harassment, with excessive deployment of two China Coast Guard vessels (21551 and 21555), two small boats, and two rubber boats,” PCG Spokesman Rear Admiral Jay Tarriela said in post on X (formerly Twitter).
“Their actions clearly demonstrated their intention to prevent sick personnel from receiving proper medical attention he urgently needed,” he added.
ISKUP! 