Chinese ships spotted in PAF overflight of Scarborough Shoal—DND chief

MANILA—An overflight by the Philippine Air Force (PAF) Saturday revealed that there are at least 10 Chinese ships near Scarborough Shoal (also known as Bajo De Masinloc) which lies 123 miles west of Subic Bay, Zambales.

This was revealed by Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana who said that four of the ships look like Chinese Coast Guard ships, with the other four looking like barges and remaining two appearing to be like troop ships.

He added that a PAF aircraft flew over Scarborough Shoal and took photographs of these ships Saturday.

Earlier, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte expressed concerns over reports that Chinese barges are still coming in Scarborough Shoal, adding that this could indicate new construction activity in the area.

“No dredging work have been seen. However, the presence of so many ships, other than Coast Guard, in the area is cause for grave concern. The Department of Foreign Affairs already has called the attention of the Chinese Ambassador and demanded explanation,” Lorenzana added.

The DND chief also said the agency has no idea on whether the presence of Chinese barges in Scarborough Shoal are “precursor of future dredging operations”.

“We don’t know yet if those barges are precursors of future dredging operations but let us not forget that early this year they actually tried to bring dredging barges but were dissuaded by the US. If they try to construct anything in Scarborough (Shoal) it will have far reaching adverse effect on the security situation in the West Philippine Sea,” he added.

China gained control of Scarborough Shoal after a tense stand-off with Philippine Navy units in 2012.

Its maritime law enforcement units have been consistently driving away Filipinos they happen to spot in the area.

Last July 12, the United Nations Permanent Court of Arbitration invalidated China’s claim over its “historic rights” to the West Philippine Sea and also pointed out that its ‘Nine-Dash-Line’ claim has no legal basis.