The Department of Foreign Affairs said Monday it is aware of an incident wherein the Chinese Coast Guard reportedly blocked and forcefully retrieved from the Philippine Navy an unidentified floating object it discovered off the Pag-asa Island.
DFA spokesperson Ma. Teresita Daza said the agency is still awaiting "the detailed reports from maritime law enforcement agencies" prior to making further comments.
"A thorough review will be conducted," Daza added.
Meanwhile, the Chinese Embassy in Manila has yet to issue a statement as of posting time.
In a report, Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos of the Western Command reported that the incident happened on Saturday when personnel of Naval Station Emilio Liwanag (NSEL) noticed through a long range camera an unidentified floating object drifting about 800 yards West off Pag-asa Island.
He said the personnel immediately proceeded to the area for ocular inspection, and eventually retrieved the floating object while it was drifting towards Pag-asa Islands Cay 1.
But members of the Chinese Coast Guard supposedly approached them and "blocked their pre-plotted course twice" before "forcefully" retrieving the object by cutting the towing line attached to the NSEL rubber boat.
The incident came several hours before United States Vice President Kamala Harris landed in Manila for a series of activities, which include the reaffirmation of US support for the country on its sovereignty and territorial integrity and the enhancement of US defense ties with the Philippines.