Philippine Navy spots unidentified aircraft in Benham Rise

The Philippine Navy went on patrol in Benham Rise aboard the BRP Alcaraz and although they did not see a foreign ship, they spotted an unidentified aircraft.

They also spotted another ship which had no Philippine flag which did not respond to a radio message.

Later on, the ship was found to be that of fishermen from Zambales. They said their radio was turned off.

The Philippine Navy said they will regularly patrol Benham Rise and will inspect ships if needed.

BRP Alcaraz was deployed on March 17 to patrol the 13-million hectare undersea region and biodiversity hotspot located east of Luzon following the reported presence of a Chinese vessel last year.

President Rodrigo Duterte directed the military to inform Chinese vessels surveying Benham Rise — in a friendly manner — that the Philippines owns Benham Rise.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo said China recognizes Philippine sovereign rights over the Benham Rise area, and that Beijing is not going to claim ownership of the undersea plateau off eastern Luzon coast. —KG, GMA News