DND ‘wary and troubled’ of Vietnam ship sinking

Peter Paul Galvez. INQUIRER.net FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Amid the rising tension in the South China Sea after one Chinese vessel rammed and sunk a Vietnamese ship, the Department of National Defense remained “wary” and “troubled” of the volatile situation in the disputed waters.

Peter Paul Galvez, Department of National Defense spokesman, said that the latest incident between the two countries is an indication of the “volatility of the situation.”

“This further highlights the need to have efforts to avoid such incidents and accidents at sea,” Galvez said.

He added that the Philippines and the DND is pursuing the shared protocols of action and code of conduct in the South China Sea.

According to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, the code of conduct in the South China Sea “promotes a peaceful, friendly and harmonious environment in the South China Sea.”

Galvez added that the DND would continue to remain vigilant in the face of the alarming development in the disputed sea.

“We continue to be vigilant and we would continue to monitor the activities of our fishermen,” Galvez said.

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