MANILA: Officials are discussing the possibility of removing the concrete blocks believed to have been placed by China in Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal, a senior military official said.
Navy chief Vice Admiral Jose Luis Alano said measures to take out the blocks that were discovered by authorities this month are being discussed, but he declined to elaborate.
“As of now, that’s being discussed. As to how to, I do not like to preempt the decision to be made,” Alano told reporters when asked if there are plans to remove the concrete blocks from the shoal.
Alano said the Philippines has not lost the Panatag Shoal even if concrete blocks believed to be foundations of a Chinese structure are already in the area.
“What the Philippines has done is to address this through the international tribunal and this is now up to the international community to discuss the issues,” the Navy chief said.
“We have a very strong position on it and this is now being undertaken by no less the Department of Foreign Affairs,” he added.
Alano said that the area had been under close surveillance since the concrete blocks were sighted. The area is located 124 nautical miles from the nearest point in Zambales.
“The situation is still being monitored there, but this is now under the National Security Council,” Alano added.
When asked whether the Panatag Shoal dispute has been discussed with the United States, Alano said they are still dealing with the issue among themselves.
Defence Secretary Voltaire Gazmin revealed that at least 75 concrete blocks were spotted near the disputed shoal. He said that the blocks appeared to be foundations for buildings. Officials believe the putting of the concrete blocks is a prelude to a construction project.
The blocks are said to be scattered in a two-hectare area in the northern portion of Panatag Shoal, also known locally as Bajo de Masinloc.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario earlier said that the Philippines will file another diplomatic protest against China for sighting of the construction blocks.
“We are framing an appropriate diplomatic protest. Hopefully in the next few days,” Del Rosario said, adding that the new case will be added unto the country’s on-going arbitration case against China for its incursion in Philippine-claimed coastal territories.
China, meanwhile, has denied the Philippines’ allegations that the concrete structures are illegally put up in the isle, which it calls Huangyan Island.
“It is within China’s legitimate rights and interests and beyond dispute,” China Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hong Lei had said.
The Philippine star
