MANILA, Philippines – A senior security official revealed yesterday that the Chinese vessels patrolling the West Philippine Sea are not only engaged in a widespread maritime vigil of Recto Bank, but are also allegedly setting up markers in the oil-rich areas within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ),
The official, whose identity was not disclosed, said in an interview with a reporter from The STAR: “They’re not only patrolling in the area, they are also installing their own markers. While they’re continuously putting up their own maritime markers at Recto Bank, we are also continuously blasting them.”
It was added by the official that the most recent maritime operation to destroy such markers was conducted in mid-July of this year, in line with the Philippine government’s directive to get rid of any foreign objects or structures set up in the area by unauthorized persons.
A naval officer likewise confirmed that markers set up by the Chinese had on several occasion been removed from Recto Bank, are believed to contain vast amounts of mineral and oil deposits.
The Philippine government is in the process of conducting oil exploration activities in the area of Ayungin Shoal, between Panganiban Reef and Recto Bank.
China, however, has beefed-up its patrol of this disputed area; increasing the number of Chinese vessels and blocking the entrance to Ayungin Shoal.
The Philippines and China have been deadlocked in an ever-escalating dispute over reefs and islands in an area Manila calls the West Philippine Sea.
China, on the other hand, has laid territorial claims of nearly the entire area, including waters near the coast of its neighbours, Japan and Vietnam.