No new Chinese construction in Scarborough Shoal

A Philippine air patrol over Scarborough (Panatag) Shoal Tuesday showed no new Chinese construction over the disputed maritime area. (Photo By NASA, Public Domain)

MANILA — A Philippine air patrol over Scarborough (Panatag) Shoal Tuesday showed no new Chinese construction over the disputed maritime area.

This was announced by Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) spokesperson Lt. Col. Isagani Nato in an interview last Tuesday.

“Wala namang problema sa lugar nung pagpunta namin. Walang construction,” he added.

In the same air patrol, which was conducted by one C-295, four possible Chinese coast guard ships and one Chinese fishing vessel were sighted.

“Yung tingin namin kasi puti pero hindi ko ma-sure kung lahat yun, coast guard (vessel),” the NOLCOM spokesperson said who added that they were flying at 5,000 feet at the time.

Also spotted were five Filipino fishing boats and their crew who seemed to be going about their business.

“Wala namang problema sa tingin namin,” he added.

Nato said that the C-295 was not challenged by the Chinese during their patrol mission which lasted for about 30 minutes.