By Myris Lee
Department of National Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Thursday, May 4, said no new Philippine territory in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) was occupied by China under the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte.
In a Laging Handa briefing interview, Lorenzana said the situation in the area is currently peaceful and quiet as there were no attacks reported aside from China’s use of water cannons against a Philippine supply ship.
“Mula noong pumasok si Presidente ay wala namang nakuhang bagong teritoryo iyong China. Hindi na rin sila nag-occupy ng mga vacant—unoccupied features,” he said.
“And at the same time, he was able to talk to the leaders of the Chinese government na itutuloy natin iyong ating peaceful coexistence muna habang sinusukat natin kung sino ba talaga iyong may-ari ng lugar na iyan ‘cause it’s disputed eh,” he added.
As for the eater cannon incident, the defense secretary said the Chinese ambassador to the country has already apologized for what has transpired.
Lorenzana said they have not monitored any untoward incidents in WPS.
“Unang-una siguro dahil nag-uusap na iyong mga gobyerno natin, I think pinakamagandang solusyon diyan ay still diplomatic ano,” he said.
“At the same time, mayroon na rin tayong mga inangkat na mga bagong barko diyan, nagpapatrolya na tayo… mas madalas na at mas marami na iyong nagpapatrolyang barko natin,” he added. – ag
