President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expressed serious concern over the reported sighting of a Russian attack submarine in the West Philippine Sea last week.
The submarine, identified as UFA, was confirmed by the Philippine Coast Guard and Navy approximately 148 kilometers (80 nautical miles) off Occidental Mindoro. While Marcos refrained from disclosing details about the incident during an ambush interview in Marikina, he emphasized that any intrusion in the West Philippine Sea, particularly within the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone, is highly alarming.
“This is a serious issue,” the President remarked, adding that he has entrusted the matter to the military for investigation and response.
The incident further complicates the Philippines’ ongoing territorial disputes with China, a close ally of Russia. China has been aggressively asserting its claims in the West Philippine Sea, making the submarine’s presence even more concerning.
Observers warn that the involvement of Russian forces could escalate tensions in an already volatile region. For the Philippines, this marks another geopolitical challenge in safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial rights.
