Chinese Carrier Group Sails Past Western Mindanao, Philippine Military Reports

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur: A Chinese Navy carrier group was tracked sailing through waters off Mindanao last week, the Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines said on Monday.

In a statement, the command said its Maritime Situational Awareness Center and other maritime units followed the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) Liaoning Carrier Group as it moved through the Zamboanga Peninsula on Thursday, October 22.

Surveillance first picked up the fleet northwest of Talulu Point in Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte. It was later located southwest of Maitum, Sarangani, heading southeast toward the Celebes Sea, which the Philippines shares with Indonesia and Malaysia.

Philippine response

The Philippine Navy sent frigates and patrol ships to trail the Chinese formation. The BRP Diego Silang (FFG-7) and BRP Emilio Jacinto (PS-35) carried out the shadowing, supported by the Philippine Coast Guard vessel BRP Sarangani.

The Philippine Air Force contributed aerial reconnaissance and maritime surveillance, flying an S-70i Black Hawk helicopter and an NC-212i light transport aircraft.

WestMinCom described the carrier group's passage as steady and swift. Based on its observed course and speed, the group is estimated to have left the command's area of operations at about 11 p.m. on October 22.

Throughout the operation, military units kept in close contact and reported continuously, the command said, with the aim of improving awareness of maritime activity and protecting the region's waters.

WestMinCom said it is working with other defense and maritime agencies to maintain security in its area of responsibility. It also urged the public to remain calm and to rely on verified information from official sources.