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'I AM NO FOOL'

Lorenzana tells 44 Chinese vessels to leave Julian Felipe Reef


Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana issued a strong statement on Saturday, telling the remaining 44 Chinese vessels to leave Julian Felipe Reef in the West Philippine Sea.

“As of our latest maritime and aerial surveillance, there are still forty-four (44) Chinese vessels that are in Julian Felipe Reef. I am no fool. The weather has been good so far, so they have no other reason to stay there. These vessels should be on their way out. Umalis na kayo diyan,” Lorenzana said.

Lorenzana also emphasized that Chinese Ambassador Huang Xillian “has a lot of explaining to do.”

On March 22, the Chinese Embassy issued a statement denying the presence of Chinese militia vessels off Julian Felipe Reef, saying these are fishing vessels that are taking shelter due to “rough sea conditions.”

“We have already lodged our diplomatic protest stating unequivocally our stand on the issue. We, again, reiterate our demand for the Chinese to leave our sovereign territories and abide by international law,” he added.

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

The Philippine Foreign Affairs Department earlier demanded the withdrawal of Chinese vessels in the West Philippine Sea, saying its presence was a blatant infringement of the country's sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction. -MDM, GMA News

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