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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PH Navy responds to China's accusation about reclamation works on Escoda Shoal

PH Navy responds to China's accusation about reclamation works on Escoda Shoal

Published Jul 2, 2024 07:34 am
Escoda Shoal.jpg
A Photo handout dated May 11, 2024 shows the dumping of dead and crushed corals on the sandbars of Escoda Shoal, 75 nautical miles from the coastline of Palawan, which resembles island-building activities blamed by the Philippine Coast Guard on China. (Photo courtesy of PCG)

The Philippines “can do anything” that it wishes to do in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) if only to protect it from intruders and aggressors.

This was the reaction of Rear Adm. Roy Vincent Trinidad, Philippine Navy (PN) spokesperson for WPS, to a report published by China about the supposed efforts by the Philippines to establish a permanent facility in Escoda (Sabina) Shoal.

“Our sovereignty and sovereign rights belong solely to the Philippines, manifested by the actions of the government. We can do anything that we wish to within our exclusive economic zone,” Trinidad said on Tuesday, July 2.

“These are actions that the Philippines will pursue if and when necessary,” he added.

However, the navy official warned the public against possible disinformation being spread by China.

A report from China-owned newspaper Global Times alleged that the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has sent its vessels to deliver supplies such as cement, food, fuel, and fresh water to BRP Teresa Magbanua (MRRV-9701).

Read: PCG moves to defend Escoda Shoal as China is accused of building new artificial island

The PCG earlier reported that BRP Teresa Magbanua has been stationed in Escoda Shoal since April 18 to guard against suspected Chinese reclamation works.

“I’m not saying that we are bringing in anything on Sabina Shoal,” Trinidad said, noting that the public should check on the source of the report. “This may be a foreign-influenced source trying to sow false narratives in the country.”

The PCG has yet to respond to queries about the Chinese report.

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