The Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) has said that the public has nothing to worry about the passage of two Chinese vessels in Basilan Strait.  

The vessels, a training ship and an amphibious transport dock, were sighted on June 6, 2024. 

WestMinCom said the two vessels came from Timor-Leste State reportedly for on-site cadet training from May 30 until June 4, 2024, and were heading back to Dalian, China.

The BRP Domingo Deluana (PG-905) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) was dispatched immediately to monitor the passage.

WestMinCom said no law was violated in what it called an “innocent passage.”

Authorities added that the public should not worry as Basilan Strait is an international sea lane that allows innocent passage from other nations.

"No need to worry regarding sa situation na nangyari kahapon, dumaan lang talaga sila sa area natin para bumalik sa China,” WestMinCom Spokesperson, Major Orlando Ayllon, said.