MANILA: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr said on Monday the reported presence of a Russian submarine in the Philippines exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the South China Sea was very worrisome.
The Philippine Daily Inquirer newspaper reported on Monday that a Russian attack submarine surfaced inside Manilas EEZ last week, citing security sources.
Thats very concerning. Any intrusion into the West Philippine Sea, of our EEZ, of our baselines, is very worrisome, Marcos told reporters.
Marcos did not elaborate on the submarines reported presence, saying he would let the military discuss the matter.
Reuters could not immediately confirm the report. A Philippines navy spokesman did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Russias embassy in Manila could not immediately be reach for comment.
China and Russia declared a no limits partnership when president Vladimir Putin visited Beijing in 2022, just days before Russias invasion of Ukraine. The two countries carried out live-fire naval exercises in the South China Sea in July.
Tensions between Manila and Beijing have escalated over the past year due to overlapping claims in the South China Sea. A 2016 arbitral tribunal ruled Chinas historical claims to the disputed waterway had no basis, a decision Beijing rejects.