MANILA, Philippines – Malacanang on Thursday said the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is still verifying the floaters reportedly found off Zambales’ waters near the West Philippine Sea.
Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said the AFP is also confirming the statement of Justice Antonio Carpio that China is actually dredging in 10 other reefs as part of China’s massive reclamation in the WPS.
Coloma said if proven that China is dredging 10 more reefs, the information could be used to boost the Philippines’ case against China’s reclamation in the disputed territories.
“If it will be verified, this will serve as additional information that we can cite in our petition in the Arbitral Tribunal of the United Nations because there are activities that manifest violations on the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea,” Coloma said.