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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DND, DFA to address latest China incident in West PH Sea, says Roque

DND, DFA to address latest China incident in West PH Sea, says Roque

Published Apr 9, 2021 06:20 pm

Malacañang is keeping its distance from the alleged intimidation of a Filipino vessel by armed Chinese ships in the West Philippine Sea.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque (OPS / MANILA BULLETIN)

According to Presidential spokesman Harry Roque, the Palace would let the Department of National Defense (DND) and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) address the matter. 

"Defer to SFA (Secretary of Foreign Affairs) and DND," Roque said in a message Friday, April 9.

Chinese ships reportedly attempted to drive away a Filipino vessel carrying the ABS-CBN television crew from sailing towards Ayungin Shoal, located within the country's territorial waters.  The local vessel opted to sail back to Palawan but the armed foreign ships reportedly pursued them for an hour before sailing away.

The defense department has directed the military to conduct an investigation into the incident.

READ: https://mb.com.ph/2021/04/09/dnd-afp-launch-probe-on-chinas-harrassment-of-ph-vessel-in-west-ph-sea/

In a series of tweets, Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. sought to get more details about the maritime incident. He assured though the government would protect Filipinos, adding there was no need for pursue the local vessel.

"What’s worrisome is that it seems—please verify—ABSCBN crew weren’t in a boat they hired (inviting risk) but in a passenger boat. Now that’s a whole other banana; the state is sworn to protect the Philippine public. And you don’t give chase; you use your bullhorn to warn off," he tweeted Friday, April 9.

READ: https://mb.com.ph/2021/04/09/senators-slam-chinese-navys-chasing-down-of-filipino-boat-chartered-by-local-news-crew/

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