An overflight by the Philippine Air Force (PAF) Saturday
revealed that there are at least 10 Chinese ships near Scarborough Shoal (also
known as Bajo De Masinloc) which lies 123 miles west of Subic
Bay , Zambales.
This was revealed by Department of National Defense (DND)
Secretary Delfin Lorenzana who said that four of the ships look like Chinese
Coast Guard ships, with the other four looking like barges and remaining two
appearing to be like troop ships.
He added that a PAF aircraft flew over Scarborough Shoal and
took photographs of these ships Saturday.
Earlier, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte expressed concerns
over reports that Chinese barges are still coming in Scarborough Shoal, adding
that this could indicate new construction activity in the area.
"No dredging work have been seen. However, the presence
of so many ships, other than Coast Guard, in the area is cause for grave
concern. The Department of Foreign Affairs already has called the attention of
the Chinese Ambassador and demanded explanation," Lorenzana added.
The DND chief also said the agency has no idea on whether
the presence of Chinese barges in Scarborough Shoal are "precursor of
future dredging operations".
"We don't know yet if those barges are precursors of
future dredging operations but let us not forget that early this year they
actually tried to bring dredging barges but were dissuaded by the US West Philippine
Sea ," he added.
Its maritime law enforcement units have been consistently
driving away Filipinos they happen to spot in the area.
Last July 12, the United Nations Permanent Court of
Arbitration invalidated China's claim over its "historic rights" to
the West Philippine Sea and also pointed out that its 'Nine-Dash-Line' claim
has no legal basis.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=920058
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