Chinese Navy, Coast Guard ships seen near Pag-asa Island, Alejano says

Rep. Gary Alejano of Magdalo partylist said that China has deployed two frigates, one Coast Guard vessel and two large fishing vessels, with their maritime militia, one to three nautical miles north of Pag-asa Island.

“Two days ago, a Philippine government ship from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources was prevented by Chinese fishing vessels from going near our sandbars located generally west of Pag-asa, around two to seven miles away,” Alejano said.

According to him, China’s moves are highly suspicious and threatening.

Alejano urged the current administration to take his information seriously and “call the attention of China to order their ships away from Pag-asa Island and file appropriate diplomatic protest against China.”

The Department of Foreign Affairs and the Armed Forces of the Philippines are yet to verify Alejano’s claims.

(DAILY NEWS ROUND UP FOR 08 / 16 / 17)