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AFP commits to continuously monitor Julian Felipe Reef situation

Philippines | National

AFP commits to continuously monitor Julian Felipe Reef situation

By Aaron Recuenco

As security officials are becoming more alarmed over the continued presence of Chinese vessels, believed to be manned by Chinese militias, at the Julian Felipe Reef, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) committed on Saturday, April 3, to continuously monitor the situation.

(AP Photo/Bullit Marquez)

In a statement, AFP spokesman Maj. Gen. Edgard Arevalo said they feel serious concern over the continued presence of the Chinese vessels and join the Department of National Defense (DND) in calling out what he described as incursions of the Chinese vessels.

On Saturday, April 3, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said there are still 44 remaining Chinese vessels at the Julian Felipe Reef.

“We commit to continuously monitor the West Philippine Sea through regular air and maritime sovereignty patrols apart from our 24/7 land based monitoring stations,” said Arevalo.

So far, Arevalo said that they have not observed any construction in the other contested areas in the West Philippine Sea.

“These notwithstanding, we will remain unrelenting in providing pertinent data to the DND and the NTF-WPS (National Task Force on the West Philippine Sea) as to the situation that impinges on our sovereignty and our enjoyment of our sovereign rights,” said Arevalo.

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