Palace awaits DND report on expulsion of PH ships

This undated handout photo released by the Philippine Government on May 23, 2013 shows an aerial view of BRP Sierra Madre, a 100-metre (328 foot) amphibious vessel built for the US in 1944 and acquired by the Filipino navy in 1976, grounded at Second Thomas Shoal in the Spratly Islands. AFP FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – Malacañang on Tuesday declined to comment on news that two Philippine ships were expelled by the Chinese Coast Guard from Ayungin Shoal in the Spratly group of islands.

Instead, Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma said they are waiting for the report of the Department of National Defense.

“The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is awaiting the official report of the Department of National Defense regarding this significant event at Ayungin Shoal and we shall be guided by the recommendation of the DFA on the matter,” he said in a press briefing.

Chinese state news agency Xinhua earlier reported that two vessels carrying Philippine flags and “loaded with construction materials” were driven away by China’s coast guard. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Qin Gang accused the Philippines of attempting to construct infrastructure on the disputed territory.

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