Longer buoys with Chinese-like markings found off Zambales

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has discovered more and longer buoys in waters off Iba, Zambales that seemed to have similar Chinese markings to those found earlier.

 

PCG Spokesman Armand Balilo told GMA News Online on Wednesday, quoting Admiral Rodolfo Isorena, that the buoys were found last week.

 

“Estimate lang namin more than one kilometer [ang haba nitong bago],” Balilo said adding that the new buoys are definitely longer than the previous ones.

 

Balilo said authorities have yet to determine where the buoys came from. He said the PCG considers the buoys as a hazard to navigation.

 

“I-determine muna natin kung saan nag-originate,” he replied when asked what the PCG's next move will be once the origin of the buoys was determined.

 

The Armed Forces of the Philippines said it has also yet to determine where the buoys came from and reassured the public that it will hold its duty of protecting the country's sovereignty.

 

Several buoys with Chinese-like markings were sighted in July near the disputed Scarborough Shoal. Earlier reports said Filipino fishermen towed the buoys to land where these were dismantled.

 

China and the Philippines have been entangled in a long standing maritime dispute due to opposing claims of territories in the South China Sea. —Andrei Medina/ALG, GMA News