AFP monitoring Chinese movements in Panatag Shoal: Palace

From the Sun Star (Jun 7): AFP monitoring Chinese movements in Panatag Shoal: Palace

THE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has been monitoring the Panatag Shoal or Bajo de Masiloc off Zambales province following reports that China has started constructing structures in the area, a Palace official said Friday.

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said that as of Thursday, the military reported no indication that there was an ongoing construction in Panatag Shoal.

"However, out of prudence, they will be on the lookout first for any indications during the next ocular," she said in a news briefing.

Asked of the standard operating procedure if found that China has started building structures on the Philippine-claimed territory, Valte said "the next step would be left to the assessment of the AFP and the DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs)."

Since the standoff between the Philippine and Chinese ships in April last year in Panatag Shoal, Chinese vessels never left the area contrary to the Philippine Coast Guard ship that was pulled out from the shoal months later.

China has been claiming the entire South China Sea or the West Philippine Sea through its nine-dash line.

The Philippines has brought up the territorial row with China before the United Nations Arbitral Tribunal.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/breaking-news/2013/06/07/afp-monitoring-chinese-movements-panatag-shoal-palace-286286