DFA, AFP verifying report China has taken over atoll near Palawan

DFA Spokesperson Charles Jose. INQUIRER file photo

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Wednesday said they are verifying a newspaper report that said that China has taken over a Philippine atoll near Palawan in the disputed West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).

“We are in the process of verifying this report with concerned agencies,” DFA spokesperson Charles Jose said in a text message.

The Philippine Star reported that China has seized Quirino or Jackson Atoll, a rich fishing ground for locals, with at least five gray and white Chinese ships.

Filipino fishermen were reportedly not allowed to come near the atoll, which is within the Philippine exclusive economic zone and is between the Philippine-claimed Lawak Island and Chinese-occupied Panganiban (Mischief) Reef.

READ: Aquino hits China for grabbing territory

The AFP, meanwhile, refused to comment while the verification process is taking place.

A military source who requested anonymity due to lack of authority to speak on the matter, confirmed that there is an “on and off presence” of Chinese ships in Philippine-claimed islands in the Spratlys including the Quirino Atoll.

Kalayaan Mayor Eugenio Bito-onon Jr. was quoted as saying in the report that the Chinese ships in Quirino Atoll have been stationed there for more than a month.

The Philippines is currently waiting on a decision by an arbitration court in The Hague on its territorial dispute China, which has repeatedly refused to participate in the proceedings. The ruling is expected by midyear.

READ: PH asks China to respect sea dispute arbitration

China claims most parts of the South China Sea believed to be rich in resources. It is also claimed by Taiwan, Brunei, Malaysia, Vietnam and the Philippines. IDL

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