Manila, Philippines – The National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) is conducting a validation and assessment regarding the alleged new structure spotted in the Bajo de Masinloc area.
According to a statement by the NTF-WPS, they are reportedly aware of reports regarding the structure in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
Currently, the task force is continuing to verify the reports regarding this.
On Tuesday, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) confirmed that they have not spotted any dredgers in the BDM, also known as Scarborough Shoal.
According to AFP Spokesperson for WPS Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, concerned agencies are also verifying the alleged sightings in the BDM.
Based on a satellite image released by SeaLight director and maritime expert Ray Powell, there is an entrance to the lagoon covered by the BDM, which is estimatedly about ten meters wide.
The Chinese embassy in Manila did not provide any comment or statement regarding the SeaLight report.
However, Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Jing Quan insists Wednesday, that Beijing is preparing for the fourth bilateral political dialogue with Manila.
According to the Chinese envoy, there are already positive developments in the relationship between the Philippines and China.
Based on a statement by Foreign Affairs Spokesperson for Maritime Affairs Assistant Secretary Bong Villenueva, the DFA continues to coordinate with agencies to verify the said report.
However, the DFA continues to call for any kind of violation of the sovereignty and sovereign rights and jurisdiction of the Philippines.—Alvin Pelobello, Eurotv News