Duterte calls special Cabinet meeting Monday to discuss sinking of PH boat
MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte has called a special Cabinet meeting on Monday, June 17, to discuss issues regarding the West Philippine Sea, INQUIRER.net has learned.
A reliable source said Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles has sent the advisory to Cabinet Secretaries. The meeting will be at 3 p.m. in Malacañang.
The source said the President and the Cabinet officials would particularly discuss the government’s response to the sinking of a Filipino boat after a “collision” with a Chinese vessel.
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana confirmed the special Cabinet meeting in a text message. “Yes,” he briefly responded.
Lorenzana said the meeting will be held in Malacañang after the President attends the 121st Philippine Navy Anniversary at Sangley Point in Cavite. The anniversary is scheduled at 4 p.m.
The defense chief earlier said that a Chinese vessel collided with a Filipino vessel near the Recto Bank (Reed Bank) in the West Philippine Sea, leaving 22 Filipino fishermen at sea. He said a Vietnamese vessel rescued the fishermen. (Editor: Julie Espinosa)
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