The Philippines on Monday filed another diplomatic protest against China over the continued presence of about 44 Chinese vessels in Julian Felipe Reef (Whitsun Reef), an area located within the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the West Philippine Sea.
This is the second protest filed by Manila against Beijing in the span of 15 days.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr., in one of his many tweets around 12 noon, said; “Firing a diplomatic protest even as we tweet.”
Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Executive Director for Strategic Communications Ivy Banzon-Abalos confirmed the filing of protest in a text message to the Manila Bulletin.
“Yes, there is a new one,” she said.
The DFA, however, has yet to release an official statement regarding the latest protest.
On March 21, 2021, the DFA filed a diplomatic protest against China shortly after confirming with the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) the presence of over 220 Chinese vessels in and around Julian Felipe Reef.
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana has renewed his call for the remaining 44 Chinese vessels to immediately leave the Julian Felipe Reef which is situated approximately 175 nautical miles west of Bataraza, Palawan.