Senate body starts probe on territorial disputes involving PH

THE reclamation activities of China in Panganiban (Mischief) Reef, an area within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone in the disputed West Philippine Sea (South China Sea), has progressed in a few months, latest satellite images showed.

The Senate committee on national defense and security on Thursday began its investigation on the alleged land reclamations and dredging operations of China on the disputed Spratly Islands as well as the reported downgrading of the Philippines’ claim over Sabah.

The probe was initiated by Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, who also chairs the committee.

READ: Trillanes seeks probe on China reclamation in disputed waters

Among those invited in the hearing were Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff  General Gregorio Catapang, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, representatives from the Department of Foreign  Affairs (DFA), Philippine Coast  Guard, West Philippine Sea Center, and the National Security Council led by Director General Cesar Garcia  Jr., among others.

China has been reportedly conducting dredging activities at the Panganiban Reef (Mischief Reef) — a Philippine-claimed area in the Spratlys. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) had already lodged a protest against China regarding the said reclamation activities.

IN PHOTOS: China’s reclamation in West Philippine Sea

It was also reported that in a note verbale handed to the Malaysian embassy, the DFA  allegedly offered to drop the Philippines’ claim over Sabah supposedly in exchange for Malaysia’s support against China in territorial dispute in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea). IDL

RELATED STORIES

China slams PH plan to raise reclamation issue in Asean

AFP chief to China: Stop reclamation works in South China Sea

US rejects China’s offer over disputed islands