Manila, Dec. 24 -- The Philippine Navy (PN) on Wednesday announced that it had deployed two of its warships to monitor and escort a Chinese frigate spotted "loitering" some 41 nautical miles southwest of Capones Island, Zambales last Dec. 17.

In a statement, the PN said its Northern Luzon Naval Command (NLNC) deployed offshore patrol vessel BRP Emilio Jacinto (PS-35) and guided missile frigate BRP Diego Silang after "members of the local maritime community" reported spotting the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) Jiangkai II (Type 054A) frigate with bow number 569.

"Upon receipt of the report, BRP Emilio Jacinto, operating under Naval Task Force 11 of NLNC, was immediately deployed to conduct maritime patrol operations and validate th...