Chinese militia vessels still at Julian Felipe reef —Sobejana

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Lieutenant General Cirilito Sobejana on Monday said there are still Chinese militia vessels staying at Julian Felipe Reef (Whitsun Reef) in the West Philippine Sea.

“Nandun pa at binibilang naming mabuti [They're still there and we’re counting them carefully],” Sobejana said.

On March 7, 220 fishing vessels manned by the Chinese maritime militia were sighted moored in line formation at the reef, the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea said on Saturday.

According to Sobejana, some air assets of the AFP are currently at Julian Felipe Reef.

In a radio interview on Monday, AFP spokesperson Major General Edgard Arevalo said Sobejana ordered the military to conduct an air maritime patrol over the area following the reports.

The air maritime patrol started around 8:30 a.m., Arevalo said.

According to Arevalo, they are expecting to submit a report on the presence of the Chinese militia vessels to the Department of National Defense.

In a statement, Arevalo said report was being prepared by the Western Command.

“The AFP maintains that it will oppose any acts of incursions or encroachment in our sovereign territory,” he said.

“Our mandate includes ensuring that our fisher folks and our Kababayan can freely take advantage of our maritime resources and conduct their livelihood in our EEZ,” he added.

On Sunday, Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin, Jr. said the country has filed a diplomatic protest against China over the presence of militia vessels at Julian Felipe Reef.  —KBK/BM, GMA News