The Philippine Navy has reported instances of “interference” in its electronic capabilities during operations in the West Philippine Sea, as disclosed by Commodore Roy Vincent Trinidad, Navy spokesperson for the area.
Despite the interference, Trinidad assures that overall navigation remains unaffected, emphasizing the continued security of naval systems. He mentioned that such interference, attributed to activities in the area, has been ongoing for several years, possibly involving China.
However, Trinidad clarified that the source of interference remains undetermined, prompting the need for forensic tests. He also reassured the public of contingency plans in place to address the issue.
The disclosure follows allegations from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) that the China Coast Guard utilized signal jammers, temporarily preventing Philippine ships from broadcasting their positions in the area.
PCG spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela highlighted instances where vessels couldn’t transmit their automatic identification signals (AIS), crucial for maritime safety and navigation.
Further investigation into these disruptions is deemed necessary.
Source: PhilNews24 | February 28, 2024
