Russian submarine spotted off Occidental Mindoro – AFP

Metro Manila, Philippines — A Russian submarine has been spotted 80 nautical miles west of Cape Calavite in Occidental Mindoro, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said on Monday, Dec. 2.

On Nov. 28, the Philippine Navy immediately deployed the guided missile frigate BRP Jose Rizal to conduct radio communications with the submarine, identified as UFA 490.

The submarine crew confirmed its identity and said that it is waiting for better weather before heading to Vladivostok, Russia.

“Philippine naval forces, including FF150 (‘Jose Rizal’), escorted and monitored operations to ensure the submarine’s compliance with maritime regulations within the Philippine exclusive economic zone (EEZ),” the AFP said in a statement.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expressed alarm over the submarine presence.

“That’s very concerning. Any intrusion into the West Philippine Sea, of our EEZ, of our baselines is very worrisome,” he said in an ambush interview.

Manila has sovereign rights over the West Philippine Sea based on a 2016 arbitral ruling. China, an ally of Russia, refuses to recognize the decision and continues to harass and intrude in the maritime territory.