DND verifying alleged presence of Chinese research ship near Panatag Shoal

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Thursday said they are verifying reports of the alleged presence of a Chinese research ship spotted near Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal  in the West Philippine Sea.

In a statement, Lorenzana said the DND will take action after maritime patrols in the area are done.

“Rest assured that the AFP, through the Northern Luzon Command, undertakes regular domain awareness operations and provides all the necessary support to the Philippine Coast Guard and other agencies to secure and implement our laws in our territorial waters and the EEZ,” he said.

The Philippines has previously protested China's continued presence and deployment of vessels in Philippine waters.

In 2013, the Philippines challenged China’s legal basis for its expansive claim before the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, Netherlands, and won the case in a landmark award in 2016 after the tribunal invalidated Beijing’s assertions.

China has since rejected the ruling, saying its claims have historical basis and are “indisputable.” — Ma. Angelica Garcia/RSJ, GMA News