Formal report on Chinese militia vessels in West Philippine Sea to be sent Tuesday —Arevalo

The formal report on the presence of 183 Chinese militia vessels in Julian Felipe Reef is expected to be submitted by the Western Command to the National Task Force West Philippines Sea on Tuesday, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said.

“The formal report will be submitted to them through established channels,” AFP spokesperson Major General Edgard Arevalo told GMA News Online in a text message on Tuesday.

“Western Command prepares the report. It is expected to be submitted today through channels,” he added.

On Monday, AFP chief Lieutenant General Cirilito Sobejana said they sighted around 183 Chinese militia vessels in the area after reports claimed that around 220 Chinese vessels were spotted in Julian Felipe Reef on March 7.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana has appealed to China to pull out the vessels,

The Philippines has already filed a diplomatic protest against China over the matter.

The Chinese Embassy has denied that the vessels were operated by Chinese maritime militia. It said that the vessels are only "seeking shelter" near the reef, which they claim are part of China's Nansha Islands or Spratlys in the South China Sea.

On Tuesday, Sobejana said the AFP and NTF WPS are assessing the best action to take in connection with 183 Chinese militia vessels still moored at the reef. — BM, GMA News