Malacanang: DFA to protest incursions in Philippine Rise

Malacañang assured on Wednesday the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) will take necessary action in response to the continuing incursions in Philippine Rise.

At the Palace briefing, acting presidential spokesperson Martin Andanar said the DFA will file a diplomatic protest against the incursions.

“Pagdating namin sa Philippine Rise, the Department of Foreign Affairs will take the necessary course of action which is to file a diplomatic protest,” he said.

He  was asked about the statement of National Security Council Deputy Director-General Rufino Lopez Jr. during a Senate hearing about the continued Chinese intrusion in the country's territory.

On Monday, the DFA said it has summoned China's top diplomat to Manila to protest the presence of Chinese Navy in the Sulu Sea early this year.

The DFA, through acting Undersecretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, lodged Manila's diplomatic protest, saying the passage of China's navy ship in Philippine waters is illegal and violated the country's sovereign rights.

"From 29 January to 01 February 2022, a PLAN Electronic Reconnaissance Ship (Dongdiao-class)[1]  with bow number 792 entered Philippine waters without permission, reaching the waters of Palawan’s Cuyo Group of Islands and Apo Island in Mindoro," the DFA said.

On Tuesday, the Chinese government defended the intrusion of one of its navy ships into the Sulu Sea, saying it was consistent with international laws.

"The Chinese naval vessel's sailing through the Philippine waters was an exercise of the right of innocent passage pursuant to UNCLOS," said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian at a press briefing, referring to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

"The Chinese passage was safe and standard, and consistent with international law and international practice. We hope relevant parities can view it in an objective and rational manner."—LDF, GMA News