The Western Command, through its regular naval and air patrols, has observed the persistent presence of China militia vessels around areas stated in the Bloomberg article.
They were spotted in namely Pag-asa Cay 1 (Sandy Cay), Julian Felipe Reef (Whitsun Reef), and Panata Island (Lankiam Cay).
All activities and development in those areas are reported to the NTF WPS for an appropriate response.
According to Wescom Commander Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos, his command shall continue conducting maritime patrols and sustaining Philippine presence in the WPS to protect the nation’s territory and sovereign rights.
China Foreign Ministry Spokesman Mao Ning said : The Bloomberg report is completely untrue. Refraining from action on the presently uninhabited islands and reefs of the Nansha Islands is a serious common understanding reached by China and ASEAN countries in the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), and China always strictly abides by it.
The growth of China-Philippines relations currently enjoys sound momentum, and the two sides will continue to properly handle maritime issues through friendly consultations, Mao Ning added. (VICTOR BALDEMOR RUIZ)
