PH Navy keeps tight watch on Sulu Sea due to Sabah standoff

MANILA, Philippines—The Philippine Navy has intensified its watch on the Sulu Sea amid the standoff between Malaysian Security Forces and armed followers of the Sultan of Sulu in Sabah.

Lieutenant Commander Gregory Fabic, in an interview over Radyo Inquirer Friday, said aside from the six naval vessels and a Philippine Navy Islander aircraft, additional vessels from the Philippine Coast Guard have been sent to the area.

“Kami po ay nagko-conduct ng maritime security patrol. Ito po ang instruction sa amin para walang makapasok at makalabas, other than human trafficking pati na rin naval blockade,” Fabic said.

“Ito po ay para maiwasan na mag-escalate ang issue sa Sabah,” he added.

Fabic said the Navy’s maritime patrol began on Feb. 12, a day after the standoff began.