Fact Check: No Japanese Ship Sent to West Philippine Sea
Claims that Japan sent a ship to the West Philippine Sea after a Chinese warship surrounded the Philippine Navy’s BRP Andres Bonifacio have been debunked. A video on YouTube with over 305,000 subscribers made these claims, but further investigation reveals that there are no official announcements from the Japanese government confirming the deployment of a warship in the West Philippine Sea.
The video featured a ship with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) flag hoisted at its stern and assigned number 825. Through advanced Google searches, it was determined that the ship in the video is the JMSDF fast attack craft JS Wakataka (PG-825). However, official news reports from the embassy of Japan in the Philippines, the Philippine Navy, and the Philippine Coast Guard do not confirm that Japan sent the JS Wakataka to the Philippines.
It is worth noting that the most recent instance of a Japanese ship being sent to the Philippines was during the Trilateral Maritime Exercise, which involved the Philippine Coast Guard, the United States Coast Guard, and the Japan Coast Guard. India had sent its Akitsushima (PLH-32) patrol vessel for the maritime exercise, but neither the JS Wakataka nor the JMSDF were part of the exercise.
The last time a JMSDF ship visited the Philippines was in March, when JS Shimakaze and JS Asagiri of the JMSDF Training Squadron made a port visit to Davao City. However, JS Wakataka was not included in this particular port visit.
Rappler has previously fact-checked false claims related to the West Philippine Sea and military activities, including claims from the same YouTube channel. It is crucial to fact-check such information to prevent the spread of misinformation.
It is important to present a balanced view of the topic and include different perspectives and opinions where relevant. By fact-checking claims and providing accurate information, readers can be better informed about the actual events happening in the West Philippine Sea.
In conclusion, the claim that Japan sent a ship to the West Philippine Sea after a Chinese warship surrounded the BRP Andres Bonifacio is false. There are no official announcements or reports confirming this deployment. It is crucial to rely on verified sources and fact-check claims to ensure the dissemination of accurate information.
