(File photo courtesy of PCG)
The Philippine Coast Guard is verifying reports that two Chinese military hydrographic survey vessels were spotted in the West Philippine Sea, Malacañang said Thursday.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said PCG vessels have been deployed to monitor the area while authorities confirm the reported presence of the ships.
Castro said the government would release information that can be made public once the Coast Guard completes its verification.
The report concerns two Chinese military survey vessels allegedly seen in the West Philippine Sea on Sept. 11. The Palace said it would not speculate on China’s intentions while verification is ongoing.
Under Republic Act 12065, or the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act, foreign vessels passing through designated sea lanes are subject to rules requiring continuous and expeditious passage and restricting activities unrelated to such passage.
Castro also defended recent statements by Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Philippine sovereignty and maritime rights, saying they were consistent with his mandate and Philippine law.
The Marcos administration has maintained that Philippine agencies will continue monitoring foreign vessels and protecting the country’s maritime rights in the West Philippine Sea.
