Carpio: AFP must probe Chinese tourists taking photos of Palawan naval site

Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio. INQUIRER file photo

MANILA, Philippines — Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio said the military should look into the case of two Chinese tourists who were reportedly caught taking pictures of a naval facility in Palawan.

The incident reportedly happened at the Tide Pole naval facility in Parola, Puerto Princesa City.

Asked if the incident should be a cause of concern, Carpio said it should be investigated to verify the identity of the persons involved.

“Our military should conduct an investigation. We don’t know whether they are just tourists or just interested in taking pictures or whether they are spies,” Carpio said during the fellowship meeting of the Philippine Bar Association in Makati City.

Carpio, however, noted that China’s satellites can “easily get layout of our bases” through their satellite imaging.

“But I think China can easily get layout of our bases through their satellites. They don’t have to send those tourists to take pictures,” Carpio said.

The alleged incident happened at the height of issues facing China and the Philippines in the West Philippine Sea.

National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. said that about 113 Chinese vessels were spotted roaming near Pag-asa Island, which is part of the Palawan province and the Philippines’ biggest outpost in the West Philippine Sea.

“Napakaraming Chinese fishing vessels doon, ang bagong record February…dumating sila umabot sila ng 61. Noong July 24 umabot sila ng 113, ‘yun ang aming tinitignan and I have recommended filing diplomatic action in regards to that,” Esperon said.

READ: Diplomatic protest sought vs Chinese vessels circling Pag-asa Island

For his part, Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. said he had “fired off” a diplomatic protest. /jpv

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