Malacañang assured on Thursday that China has not planted its flag on a sand cay in Kalayaan Group of Islands located in West Philippine Sea, opposing the lawmaker’s statement that the said flag was placed there.
Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella stated in a press conference, citing a confirmation from a “reliable source” that there was no truth behind the lawmaker’s claim on a planted Chinese flag in Kota Island.
“According to the source [whom] I referred to, there was none. There was no flag ring that time. It’s a very reliable source,” Abella said.
Earlier, Magdalo Representative Gary Alejano stated he received an information that a 3-meter high Chinese flag was planted on a sand clay sited seven nautical miles northeast of Kota Island.
“According to the information that I received, a Chinese flag mounted on a steel pipe was discovered planted on a sandy cay located seven nautical miles northeast of Kota Island. It was discovered around third week of July,” Alejano’s statement.
Moreover, President Rodrigo Duterte, who recently strengthen its ties with China even after unresolved dispute stated that Beijing will not claim the area. | Angelica Bobiles – PTV
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