DND to probe reported China missile test in South China Sea

The Department of National Defense (DND) will investigate the reported Chinese missile launch in the South China Sea, its chief said on Wednesday.

“We have no first-hand knowledge about this missile launch except this news report. We will conduct our own inquiry and will decide later what to do if proven correct,” Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana told reporters.

Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo echoed Lorenzana's statement.

“Hindi pa namin alam kung totoo. We will have to determine whether it is true or not,” Panelo said in a chance interview in Malacañang.

According to a Reuters report, the US' Defense Department found the missile launch "disturbing."

“Of course the Pentagon was aware of the Chinese missile launch from the man-made structures in the South China Sea near the Spratly Island,” Pentagon spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Dave Eastburn said.

Pentagon also said the supposed act was contrary to China’s pledge that it will not militarize the area.  

Believed to be rich in resources, the South China Sea is claimed wholly or in part by China, Taiwan, Brunei, Malaysia, Vietnam and the Philippines. — Anna Felicia Bajo with Virgil Lopez/RSJ/BM, GMA News