DFA: Verbal agreement on ship pullout covered shoal’s lagoon

Foreign Affairs spokesman Raul Hernandez answers questions from reporters during a press conference at the Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila in this file photo. AP 

MANILA, Philippines–Foreign Affairs spokesperson Raul Hernandez on Wednesday said that the verbal agreement between China and the Philippines only covered the withdrawal of vessels   inside the lagoon of Panatag Shoal (Scarborough Shoal).

Hernandez told Radyo Inquirer 990AM in an interview that like the Philippines, China has also pulled out from the lagoon two of its government vessels.

“On Sunday, they announced na aalisin na nila yung fishing vessels from the lagoon,” Hernandez said, pointing out that China’s pullout from the lagoon was expected “as soon as possible.”

The lagoon will be devoid of vessels after that point “pero and mga barko at vessels outside of the lagoon, ito ay pinag-uusapan pa ng dalawang panig (but talks are still being undertaken by the two sides with regards to the ships outside of the lagoon).”

For more of the interview, listen to Radyo Inquirer 990AM.